Oh, you thought the Green Bay Packers were done making moves?
Nope. The Packers are making a habit of providing a few surprises, and they've done it again. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Green Bay has handed wide receiver Christian Watson a one-year extension worth $13.25 million.
It's a fascinating — and incredibly smart — move for the Packers. Many assumed (including yours truly) he would play out the rest of his rookie contract and depart in free agency, especially after the Packers handed Micah Parsons $47 million per year. However, they have found a win-win solution for everyone involved, and it serves as a warning shot to the rest of the NFL.
Packers' smart extension with Christian Watson is a warning to the rest of the NFL
This deal achieves a few things.
One, it means Watson no longer has to play for a new contract while coming off a torn ACL. It gives him some added security and also leaves the door open for a massive new contract in 2027. Two, the Packers don't have to go all-in just yet, which is smart, given his injury history.
Three, and this is the big one: it's a clear message to the rest of the league. The Packers are showing confidence in Watson's recovery and the role he will play on offense moving forward.
Drafting Matthew Golden in the first round felt like a clear sign that Watson wasn't in the Packers' future plans. They are different players, but Golden offers the same game-changing speed that can strike fear into defensive coordinators.
Now, Matt LaFleur will get almost two seasons with both of them, and they're paying Watson $13.25 million for one season. That's not nothing. He is going to regain his role as a significant contributor in this offense.
You think the Packers looked good in Week 1? Imagine defensive coordinators having to game plan for the speed and athleticism of Golden and Watson together, all while worrying about Jayden Reed in the slot, Tucker Kraft down the seam, and, of course, Josh Jacobs running right down the middle. It's borderline unfair.
The Golden pick felt like a succession plan, not a long-term partnership. But Watson's extension shows the Packers' confidence in him, and if all goes well, it could lead to a longer-term deal before his contract expires in 2027.
Watson will miss at least three more games on the PUP list, but then the countdown begins. GM Brian Gutekunst hinted that he could return soon after his four-week stint on the PUP list ends, and now, he is under contract for an additional season.
The Packers are all-in for a Super Bowl, and Watson sticking around is another reason for the league to worry.