Packers rookie's contract could lead to power struggle in WR room

Watson is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Reed is in his third NFL season and will be eligible for a contract extension at the conclusion of 2025.

The Packers have chosen to draft and develop wide receivers in recent years rather than making any significant free-agent signings. Since they used a first-round pick on Golden, the pre-negotiated rookie contract scale automatically made him the highest-paid receiver on the roster. Watson became eligible for an extension this year, but it is hardly a surprise that he has not gotten one given his lengthy injury history.

All of this is noteworthy in the wake of the recent conversation Packers GM Brian Gutekunst had with Reed's agent, Drew Rosenhaus. It sounds like Reed was uneasy about the fact that Green Bay drafted a receiver in the first round. Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter that he met with Green Bay's brass for reassurance that Reed is still viewed as the team's top wideout.

Reed was Green Bay's leading receiver last year with 55 catches and 857 yards. His six touchdown receptions were second on the team behind tight end Tucker Kraft's seven. The former Michigan State star also had a rushing touchdown.

Reed had 64 catches for 793 yards and 10 total touchdowns (two rushing) as a rookie. He has not exactly taken the No. 1 wide receiver job and run with it, which is probably why the Packers felt the need to use their first-round pick on Golden.

If Reed is already looking over his shoulder, some tension could brew in Green Bay's wide receiver room this season. The contract situation — although unavoidable — probably does not help matters.