The Green Bay Packers haven't made a pick in the 2026 NFL Draft yet, but they've already landed the steal of Day 2.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Packers have handed wide receiver Jayden Reed a three-year contract extension worth $50.25 million with $20 million guaranteed.
At $16.75 million per year, that's a bargain deal for the Packers. While the wide receiver market continues to explode around the league, Reed's new average salary ranks just 29th at the position. It's a huge move for the Packers and the perfect way to kick off Day 2 of the draft.
Jayden Reed's contract extension could impact the Packers' draft plans
The Packers quietly had a wide receiver problem brewing. Before this extension, Matthew Golden and Savion Williams were the only pass-catchers under contract beyond this season. Green Bay had lost Romeo Doubs in free agency and traded away Dontayvion Wicks.
Now, general manager Brian Gutekunst has locked up one more core piece of the offense. Wide receiver could still be on the Packers' to-do list in the draft, as Green Bay typically values restocking its depth chart, but the need for a long-term starter in the slot is now gone.
Gutekunst often works a year ahead in the draft. A year ago, he drafted Golden and Williams, knowing departures were coming in 2026. Doubs and Wicks have since left.
Had they been unable to work out a deal with Reed, the Packers may have needed to bring in his long-term replacement.
It makes the timing of this extension interesting. Is it purely coincidental that it happens on the cusp of Day 2 of the draft, or was this an internal deadline for the team? Would they have been more aggressive at the wide receiver position tonight if they hadn't worked out an extension?
Who knows? The reality is that the Packers got a great deal here. Reed gets his payday and will remain under contract for another three seasons. Reed led Green Bay in receiving in 2023 and 2024, but injuries derailed his 2025 season.
The Packers have work to do in the draft, but they may not land a bigger steal than this. It's a fantastic move.
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