Packers' Brian Gutekunst shares Tucker Kraft contract extension update

Green Bay Packers star tight end Tucker Kraft made it known that his "goal" was to sign a contract extension before the 2026 NFL season gets underway. 

However, Kraft is still in the final year of his rookie deal as he works to fully recover from the torn ACL he suffered in Week 9 of the 2025 campaign. While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst shared where the club is regarding a possible Kraft extension.

Packers "would love" to lock Tucker Kraft down

"We would love to have that done," Gutekunst said about signing Kraft to an extension, per Ryan Wood of USA Today. "These things are complicated at times. ...Whether we accomplish that before the beginning of the season, we'll see. We're excited for what he's going to do for us both this year and in the future."

Earlier in the offseason, the Atlanta Falcons and tight end Kyle Pitts agreed to a three-year, $54M deal with $36M guaranteed. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Brenton Strange then came to terms on a three-year extension that could be worth up to $48M with $25M guaranteed. 

It remains to be seen if those contracts will help the Packers and Kraft figure out the details of an extension before Green Bay opens the regular season with a matchup at the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 13. 

Tucker Kraft takes next step in recovery

Meanwhile, Kraft was in the midst of a breakout season when he went down last fall. Over fewer than eight completed games, he recorded 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns. 

According to Wood, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur revealed that Kraft would participate in team drills during Wednesday's joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals. That development could lead one to believe that Kraft is on track to be in the lineup for the Week 1 game in Minnesota. 

That said, Matt Burke of Complex noted that Kraft "will likely be on some sort of snap count in Week 1, but by Week 3 - possibly even Week 2 - he should be full-go." 

Perhaps Kraft will have a signed extension in hand by then as well.