Packers Activate TE Tucker Kraft; Team Eyeing Extension

Kraft’s impressive showing in 2025 came to an abrupt end with an ACL tear. A lengthy recovery process has been ongoing ever since, but today’s news confirms the fourth-year tight end has received clearance to return to the field. Practicing in even a limited capacity will be welcomed news by all involved. It will also increase attention on the matter of a potential extension.

As things stand, Kraft is a pending 2027 free agent. He and the Packers remain willing to work out a long-term deal, though, in spite of the injury. The 25-year-old was mentioned earlier this offseason as one of the top candidates to reset the tight end market. More recently, the possibility of a big-money extension being worked out in time for the start of training camp was raised. That did not prove to be the case, but an agreement could be imminent.

Earlier this week, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst confirmed (via USA Today’s Ryan Wood) talks on a long-term deal have taken place with Kraft and his camp. He added an agreement prior to Week 1 would be best for both parties. Similarly, Kraft himself recently said (h/t Cameron Ezeir of CBS58) Green Bay has told him the team’s objective is a multiyear contract. The former third-rounder wants an agreement in place “as soon as possible.”

Kraft quickly emerged as a regular in the passing game during his rookie season. The South Dakota State product saw an uptick in production during the 2024 campaign, and a further increase in effectiveness was taking place prior to last fall’s injury (15.3 yards per reception average, six touchdowns in eight games). Returning to his 2025 form would be critical for Kraft and the Packers, a team which consolidated its receiver group this offseason. A major offensive role will be in store provided he can get back to 100% in time for the start of the regular season, something Gutekunst expressed confidence in on Wednesday (via Wood).

The tight end market is currently topped by George Kittle at $19.1MM per season. Given his age, Kraft will be using Trey McBride‘s 2025 Cardinals extension (four years, $76MM) as a barometer. A new pact surpassing those figures could be in place shortly.