The Green Bay Packers are staring down a critical offseason, and near the top of their to-do list is figuring out the future of tight end Tucker Kraft. After a breakout campaign that turned heads across the league, Kraft has quickly gone from promising young player to foundational piece - and the Packers know it.
General manager Brian Gutekunst made it clear the team sees Kraft as more than just a productive pass-catcher. He called him a “really important part” of the roster, both for what he brings between the lines and the leadership he’s shown inside the locker room. That’s not just lip service - extension talks are already underway.
Before an injury slowed his momentum, Kraft was making a strong case as one of the league’s more dynamic young tight ends. He was doing a little bit of everything: stretching the seam, breaking tackles, and holding his own in the run game.
That kind of versatility doesn’t just help the offense - it expands what the playbook can be. And in a season where the Packers were still shaping their offensive identity, Kraft’s emergence gave them a much-needed boost.
But what’s impressed coaches and teammates just as much as the stat sheet is the way Kraft carries himself. He’s physical, he’s consistent, and he brings a work ethic that’s contagious. On a young team still finding its voice, Kraft has been one of the guys setting the tone - not just during games, but in meetings, on the practice field, and in the way he prepares.
Gutekunst confirmed that the front office has already reached out to Kraft to express how much they value him - a clear sign that locking him up long-term is more than just a back-burner conversation. While there’s no official timeline for when a deal might get done, the early dialogue points to a shared interest in making something happen.
For the Packers, this is about more than just retaining talent - it’s about building a core. As they continue to shape the roster around a young quarterback and a developing offense, keeping ascending players like Kraft in the fold is essential. He’s already shown flashes of elite ability, and he’s embraced the leadership role that comes with it.
Now, it’s about turning those conversations into a contract that keeps No. 85 in green and gold for the long haul.