Tucker Kraft could be close to a huge payday in Green Bay, but the biggest roadblock may not be the annual salary. The Packers reportedly have no major issue with paying him $20 million or more per year. The problem is how much of that money Green Bay will guarantee.
That puts Kraft in an interesting spot heading into the Packers' Sept. 13 opener against the Minnesota Vikings. He can chase George Kittle's record salary while still facing a major question over the structure of the deal.
Tucker Kraft Can Chase George Kittle’s Salary While Seeking More Guaranteed Money
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (85) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kraft has a clear target. Kittle currently leads NFL tight ends with a $19.1 million average salary on his four-year, $76.4 million contract. The 49ers gave Kittle $40 million in guarantees when he signed the deal.
According to a report from Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers would not necessarily object to giving Kraft more than $20 million per year. The bigger disagreement centers on guaranteed money, particularly guarantees outside the signing bonus.
That fits Green Bay's recent approach. The Packers have generally avoided guaranteeing future years for players outside Jordan Love and Micah Parsons. So Kraft could potentially become the NFL's highest-paid tight end by average salary without receiving the kind of broad guarantees that some other top players have secured.
The market gives him another comparison. Kyle Pitts signed a three-year, $54 million deal in June, including $36 million guaranteed. That deal averages $18 million per year, while Kittle remains at $19.1 million.
For Kraft, the timing makes the situation even more interesting. He enters the final year of his rookie contract after putting up 32 catches, 489 yards, and six touchdowns in only eight games last season. He tore his ACL against Carolina in November 2025.
Still, Green Bay has not backed away from him. Kraft returned from the injury and is expected to play in Week 1. He also had a huge game with Jordan Love and Christian Watson against Pittsburgh last season, catching seven passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns.
So, can Tucker Kraft get Kittle's record salary without getting every guarantee he wants? Yes, that remains possible. The Packers appear willing to push the annual number past $19.1 million. The real fight is over how much security it comes with.
As of now, both sides still have a reason to keep talking. If they cannot close the gap before Sept. 13, an in-season agreement remains possible, while Green Bay can also use the franchise tag next offseason.
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