Tucker Kraft’s story started far away from the NFL spotlight. He grew up in Timber Lake, South Dakota. A tiny community where football was a long way from the big college programs he would eventually face. But Kraft learned early that taking his own path could be just as important as taking the popular one.

He was only 12 when his father passed away. And his mom was also dealing with an autoimmune disease. Those experiences changed Kraft’s outlook early in life. Years later, when bigger college programs came calling with major NIL offers, he again chose his own path and stayed at South Dakota State.

Why Tucker Kraft Never Stopped Trusting His Own Path

Kraft opened up about his childhood per Packers.com on April 28, 2023, after Green Bay selected him in the third round of the NFL Draft. Looking back at where he came from, Kraft said, “I came from a really small rural community. I came from adversity.”

He then explained what those experiences taught him: “I realized I was going to have to take my path on my own.”

That line says a lot about Tucker Kraft’s journey. He did not need a major college name to believe he could reach the NFL. After a strong 2021 season at South Dakota State, Kraft had opportunities to move to bigger programs. He decided to stay with the Jackrabbits.

The choice paid off. South Dakota State won the FCS national championship in 2022, giving Kraft the kind of stage he had been working toward without leaving home.

There was another setback that season. A leg injury required surgery and kept him out for part of the year. Kraft still returned and earned third-team FCS All-America honors from the Associated Press. Then came Green Bay. The Packers drafted him No. 78 overall in April 2023, pairing him with Luke Musgrave as the team looked to reshape its tight end room.

Kraft did not arrive expecting everything to be easy. Per Packers.com, he said, “I’m going to do what’s asked of me.”

That simple attitude has followed him in Green Bay. He first made his mark as a physical blocker before getting more chances in the passing game. By 2025, the Packers had made him their top TE, and his performances against Washington and Pittsburgh proved his worth.

In Kraft’s case, the jump from a tiny South Dakota town to the NFL was never just about football. His background taught him to trust his own decisions, handle setbacks, and keep moving when the easy route was not available.

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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

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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The Green Bay Packers changed their WR room before the new season, and Matthew Golden now has a nice chance to prove his talent. The star WR enters his second NFL season with fewer proven options ahead of him.

Now, with a clearer role in Green Bay, the 23-year-old WR has a chance to turn that promise into a much bigger season.

Matthew Golden Has A Bigger Role Waiting In Green Bay

The Packers acquired Golden No. 23 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, making him their first first-round WR since Javon Walker in 2002. 

Also, the WR came to Green Bay after playing for Houston and Texas, then drew attention at the NFL Combine with a 4.29-second 40-yard dash. Golden had a decent rookie year, catching 29 passes for 361 yards on 44 targets in 14 games. He started five of them and missed three games with injuries.

Then came his memorable moment. During Green Bay's NFC wild-card game vs. the Bears on Jan. 10, 2026, Golden had 4 passes for 84 yards and scored the first TD of his NFL career. That moment came when the Packers needed a spark. That sort of gave fans a look at what he could bring with more opportunities.

Those opportunities should increase in 2026. Romeo Doubs signed with the Pats. Also, the Packers traded Dontayvion Wicks to the Phillies. That leaves Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Golden as Green Bay's three main 

WRs, with Bo Melton and Skyy Moore behind them.

Golden knows he has a bigger chance in 2026. He spoke to reporters in Green Bay

"All the opportunities I will get this year, I know I'll make the most of them," Golden said.

Matt LaFleur also made his expectations clear. Speaking to reporters ahead of the 2026 season, the Packers coach said Watson, Reed and Golden need to stay on the field for as many snaps as possible.

That puts Golden in an intriguing spot. The talent is already there. Now, the bigger role gives him the chance to prove he can become one of Jordan Love's most important targets.

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Green Bay Packers star Evan Williams got a taste of a kind of speed he cannot find on an NFL field. On June 21, 2026, Williams climbed into the back of a two-seat IndyCar at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, for the “Fastest Seat in Sports” experience.

Retired racer Davey Hamilton drove Williams around the 4.014-mile, 14-turn circuit before the XPEL Grand Prix. INDYCAR cars can reach speeds of more than 200 mph. But the safety later revealed that he still did not know exactly how fast his own ride had gone.

Evan Williams Reveals What His Wild Road America IndyCar Ride Felt Like

Williams experienced Road America from a very different seat than the one he normally occupies on a football field. Sitting behind Hamilton in the two-seat IndyCar, the star safety was taken around the Wisconsin circuit, which features long straights and elevation changes. 

The amazing experience gave him a close-up look at the speed and physical forces involved in IndyCar racing.

The G-forces immediately caught his attention. Speaking during a post-ride interview at Road America, Williams summed up the experience simply: “A lot of G forces, man. Yeah, it was crazy, man.”

He also had one complaint about the ride. It ended too quickly for him. Williams said that, looking back, it “went a little too fast” for his liking and that he wished it had lasted longer. He was also still waiting to learn his exact top speed.

“I still want to know what speed I got up to. They’re not quite telling me yet,” Williams said.

One particular turn gave him an even better feel for the car's capabilities. Williams recalled that they did not hit the brakes, and the car started sliding through the turn. That moment stood out to him because it showed just how different an IndyCar feels compared with anything he had experienced before.

The ride was part of the “Fastest Seat in Sports,” which features a specially designed two-seat INDYCAR with a passenger seat behind the driver. Previous passengers have included Tom Brady, Jon Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, Channing Tatum, and Simu Liu.

Williams' Road America experience also went beyond the passenger seat. He received behind-the-scenes access, spoke with drivers, saw how the cars were prepared, and walked through the trailers. He described the treatment as special, saying, “They gave me the VIP treatment today.”

For Williams, the day offered more than a few fast laps. He got to see a side of IndyCar that fans do not always get to experience and, despite the intensity of the ride, left Road America wanting to come back for more.

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Romeo Doubs had a quiet start to his Patriots career on Sept. 10, but his response afterward was anything but complicated. The Patriots WR finished the 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks without a catch on three targets. Rather than make excuses, Doubs simply accepted the responsibility and made it clear he plans to respond.

For a player beginning a new chapter with the Patriots, that message stands out. Doubs knows Week 1 did not go his way, but he also knows the season has only just started.

Romeo Doubs Explains What Went Wrong in Patriots Debut

Doubs did not try to dress up his performance when reporters spoke with him after the game. He pointed to his own focus and said he needs to be better going forward.

Per Yahoo Sports after the Patriots loss to Seattle Doubs said, “I just wasn’t locked in.” “That’s all. I mean, the video speaks for itself. I’ll be better moving forward.”

https://x.com/i/status/2097897534354280581

The Romeo Doubs and Patriots story also had some difficult moments during the game. He was the target on Drake Maye’s first interception, and later had a drop on a pass that would have moved the chains. Maye threw another interception on the following drive.

Still, the night took a different shape when A.J. Brown left with a right ankle injury in the third quarter. With the Patriots losing their top receiving option, Doubs had an even bigger opportunity to help Maye and the offense.

Hence, his response after the game carries some weight. The Pats’ acquired Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract in free agency after his amazing time with Green Bay. He now enters the next game with plenty of time to put Wednesday behind him.

Doubs also made sure Maye did not take the blame for the dropped pass. Speaking to reporters after the game, the receiver put the responsibility firmly on himself.

“I just put that on my end,” Doubs said. “I’ll just be able to move forward. That had nothing to do with Drake [Maye]. That was 150 percent for me, and I’ll be better.”

That mindset gives the Patriots something to build on. One difficult opener does not define a season, especially for a new addition still finding his place in a new offense.

New England will return to action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, September 20. For Doubs, it offers an early chance to turn his words into a different performance.

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Barryn Sorrell entered this offseason with a bigger role waiting for him in Green Bay. Micah Parsons remained sidelined while recovering from an ACL. This situation leaves the Packers looking for more from their young guys. Sorrell used the offseason to train alongside Parsons in Dallas, and those lessons are now showing up on the gridiron

With the regular season approaching, Sorrell has a chance to prove that working with one of the NFL’s best pass rushers has changed his game.

Barryn Sorrell Is Showing What He Learned From Micah Parsons

After the last season, Parsons invited Sorrell and fellow edge rusher Collin Oliver to Dallas to train with him during his rehabilitation. The trio worked together for nearly two months before Sorrell returned to Green Bay for the Packers’ offseason program in April.

Sorrell carried that work into training camp, where he took first-team reps with Parsons still recovering. He focused on his pass-rush technique and looked more comfortable attacking offensive linemen.

One of his better practices came on August 4. Sorrell created pressure during one-on-one drills before picking off a screen intended for Josh Jacobs and returning it 60 yards for a touchdown. The play gave the Packers another glimpse of the athletic ability they saw when they drafted him.

“This is what I prepared for all offseason is getting better at my pass rush so I can be the player that I want to be,” Sorrell said during Packers training camp on August 4.

The second-year defender finished his rookie season with 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 14 games, including one start. He also recorded nine quarterback pressures, according to Next Gen Stats data cited by Packers.com.

Parsons has seen the progress himself. During the Aug. 4 practice, he praised Sorrell for doing everything he could to become a better player and said his confidence was showing.

On August 20, Sorrell later explained the value of that relationship while speaking with Spectrum News. He said Parsons helped him improve his explosiveness, motor, and pass-rush technique. Sorrell also called Parsons a “big brother” and said he felt “truly blessed” to have him as a teammate and mentor.

Now Sorrell gets to put those lessons to work. Parsons remains on the physically unable-to-perform list. Also, Green Bay prepares for its Sept. 13 opener against Minnesota. If Sorrell can turn his offseason development into consistent pressure, the Packers could get far more from their young edge rusher than they did a year ago.

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Tucker Kraft’s comeback with the Green Bay Packers goes back to the place where his football journey actually began. The TE grew up in Timber Lake, South Dakota. There, he played so many sports and took on almost every role his teams needed. Those roots sort of helped shape the confidence Kraft now carries into his recovery from a torn ACL.

The injury ended his breakout 2025 season after only eight games. But Kraft has remained firm about returning for Green Bay’s opener against Minnesota on Sept. 13. His past offers a good reason for that confidence.

Timber Lake Gave Tucker Kraft the Foundation He Carries Into His Comeback

Kraft was a four-year starter at Timber Lake High School, but calling him only a football player would miss a big part of his journey. He played RB, middle LB, and punter, and even saw time at quarterback. As a senior, he rushed for 1,405 yards and 24 TDs and recorded 56 tackles.

Interestingly, he also played basketball. The sport helped Kraft learn how to move his 6-foot-5 frame, control his feet, and compete for position. Those traits later became useful for a TE who often has to catch through contact and keep moving after the first hit.

After the Packers acquired him 78th overall, Gutekunst praised his balance and strength and specifically mentioned his basketball experience.

But Kraft’s roots were not just about sports. The TE’s dad, Doug, died in a plane crash in 2013, when Tucker was 12. Being from Timber Lake also meant taking a different route to the NFL. Rather than leaving South Dakota for a major college program, Kraft stayed close to home and built his career at South Dakota State.

That choice paid off. Kraft became an FCS star and helped the Jackrabbits win the national championship in 2023. An ankle injury in the 2022 season opener at Iowa kept him out for six games. But he returned against North Dakota on Oct. 22 and finished the season with a championship.

That background makes Kraft’s comeback a little more interesting. He was playing the best football of his young NFL career when he tore his right ACL against the Panthers in November 2025. In his first eight games, he had 32 catches for 489 yards and six touchdowns. A week before the injury, he had seven catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns against Pittsburgh.

Kraft talked about the recovery during the Packers minicamp in June. He knew he could start camp on the PUP list. However, he wanted to be in good enough shape to play Week 1 without any pitch count. The Packers took him off the list on July 31. Not long after that, he was back in 11-on-11 work, giving Green Bay another reason to feel good about his return.

Even so his roots do not guarantee how the comeback ends. But that confidence could really help make a stunning comeback.

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Matthew Golden could have a much bigger role in the Green Bay Packers' offense this season. The second-year WR has moved into the X receiver spot, giving him a crucial part in an offense that has opened up after a busy offseason.

Jordan Love said of Golden's new role during an NFL Network appearance at Packers training camp on Aug. 2. The quarterback also praised Golden’s camp and expects the young receiver to build on what he showed during his rookie season.

Matthew Golden Has a Bigger Opportunity With the Packers

Golden entered the NFL as a first-round pick last season. But unexpectedly, his rookie season never fully took off. The champ finished the regular season with 29 catches for 361 yards and missed three games because of injuries.

There were still moments that showed why Green Bay chose him. From late Sept. through mid-Oct., the WR caught 19 passes for 233 yards across four games. Injuries then interrupted his progress and limited his role for much of the rest of the season.

He found another spark in the playoffs. Against the Bears in Jan. 2026, the WR caught four passes for 84 yards. He also scored his first NFL TD on a 23-yard catch-and-run. It gave Packers fans an idea of the speed and energy Golden can bring to the offense.

But Green Bay now expects more from him. The Packers moved on from Romeo Doubs in free agency and traded Dontayvion Wicks during the offseason. That sort of sealed Golden alongside Christian Watson and Jayden Reed as the team's main WR guy.

Love spoke about Golden's new role during his NFL Network appearance at training camp on Aug. 2. “MG is locked in now over there at X, so I’m expecting big things. He’s had a great training camp so far and it’s all about just building on stuff from the year before,” Love said.

The X role does not mean Golden will stay on the boundary every snap. Matt LaFleur explained during training camp on Aug. 2 that the Packers can use motion and different formations to move receivers into other positions.

That flexibility could give Golden even more ways to get involved. LaFleur also pointed to the smaller receiver room as a reason Golden should see more chances. As a rookie, Golden averaged around three targets per game. Doubs and Watson each averaged more than 5.5.

Golden has already shown flashes. Now he has a crucial role, fewer players competing for snaps, and another year of experience in the offense. Christian Watson also praised Golden after practice on July 30, saying the WR has learned to win plays even when Love does not throw his way.

That development could be just as important as the catches. If Golden can keep making those small plays while taking advantage of his increased opportunities, he has a real chance to become one of Love’s favorite targets in 2026.

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Evan Williams does not enter his third season needing to prove he belongs. He already did that in 2025. The Green Bay Packers safety went from 49 tackles as a rookie to 100 last season, while his interceptions jumped from one to three.

Now comes the interesting part. New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon can give Williams more chances to use the physical side of his game without taking away what makes him valuable in coverage.

More Freedom Could Put Evan Williams Around the Ball Even More

Evan Williams has already shown that he can find the football. His next step could come from where the Packers put him before the snap.

Gannon has given Williams and Xavier McKinney more freedom to move around, while Javon Bullard adds another safety to the mix. That flexibility can create different looks for opposing quarterbacks and allow Green Bay to adjust its personnel without constantly changing the package.

For Williams, the biggest change could come closer to the line. Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber reported on June 24 that Williams expected to play more snaps in the box under Gannon. Williams also explained why he welcomes that responsibility.

“I definitely pride myself on my physicality,” Williams said in an interview with reporters during the Packers’ offseason program. “I feel like the first thing that people look at when they look at a safety is can he tackle?”

That part of his game already showed up last season. Williams recorded 100 tackles and four tackles for loss while playing 903 defensive snaps across 16 games.

Still, there is room for him to clean things up. Huber noted that Williams missed 13 tackles last season, while his 12.5% missed tackle rate ranked 38th among 72 safeties with at least 500 snaps. He also had five penalties, including three accepted pass-interference calls.

Those credentials give the star-safety a clear area to attack. If he cuts down those mistakes while taking advantage of the added freedom, his production could climb without forcing anything. CBS Sports senior writer Pete Prisco pointed to that possibility after visiting Packers training camp, saying the new defensive setup could help Williams produce an All-Pro-caliber season.

That would be a major jump. But Williams has already made one in his young career. The Packers now have a chance to see what happens when they put even more responsibility in his hands.

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Evan Williams has quietly turned from an overlooked pick to one of the Packers’ elite defensive stars. Now, his third NFL season brings a very unique kind of pressure. Williams already showed what he can do last season. 

The next question is whether he can turn that incredible season into a bigger role under new DC Jonathan Gannon.

Evan Williams Has More To Prove As Green Bay Changes Its Defense

Evan Williams gave the Packers plenty to believe in last season. He started 15 of 16 games and finished with 100 tackles, three interceptions and five passes defended. His three picks led Green Bay in 2025.

That was a noticeable growth from his rookie year. Williams played 13 games in 2024 and recorded 49 tackles, one interception and three passes defended. And, above all, he has also earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors giving the Packers an early sign that their fourth-round gamble could pay off.

Then his role eventually grew. Per Packers Wire, Williams amazingly doubled his defensive snaps from 533 as a rookie to 979 in 2025. His work around the line of scrimmage also increased sharply. He played 303 snaps in the box last season, compared with just 91 in 2024.

That change helped turn him into a much bigger factor against the run. Williams also made his presence felt in coverage. He intercepted Jared Goff in Week 1 and later picked off Jameis Winston during Green Bay’s late-season win over the Giants. His passer rating dropped from 99.5 as a rookie to 78.9 in 2025, according to the July 29 Packers Wire report.

Now comes the interesting part. Jonathan Gannon has taken over the Packers’ defense, and his approach could give Williams even more freedom. Packers.com reported on June 22, 2026, that Williams and Xavier McKinney spent the offseason building chemistry in Gannon’s system. McKinney said their partnership could reach its “peak performance” in 2026.

That is important because Williams has already shown he can tackle, cover and find the football. Gannon now has another versatile safety to move around the defense. But there is still room to improve. The star safety picked up five penalties in 2025 after committing none as a rookie. But that is a fixable problem.

The Packers do not need Williams to become someone else. They need him to build on what he already showed. If he does, his third season could be the one that takes Evan Williams from a promising Packers draft find to a genuine centerpiece of Green Bay’s defense.

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