Tucker Kraft is heading into the Green Bay Packers’ 2026 season opener without the big extension he wanted. With Green Bay set to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 13, the two sides still have work to do.
The interesting part is that money may not be the biggest hurdle. Kraft wants to push the tight end market past $20 million per year, while the Packers appear willing to discuss a major deal. The sticking point is how much of that money Green Bay will guarantee.

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’s contract talks have become one of the Packers’ biggest stories heading into Week 1. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Kraft remains in discussions with Green Bay, but described the negotiations as “a bit of a standoff.” He added that the Packers hope to get a deal done by the end of Week 1.
That gives both sides some breathing room. Kraft does not necessarily need to sign before Sunday’s opener, and Green Bay can keep negotiating once the season starts.
The potential price tag, however, makes this a major deal. George Kittle currently leads NFL tight ends at $19.1 million per year, while Trey McBride sits at $19 million. Kyle Pitts recently signed a three-year, $54 million extension worth $18 million annually. Kraft is reportedly aiming to become the first tight end to cross the $20 million mark.
The Packers’ concern centers on guarantees. Green Bay has generally preferred to put guaranteed money into signing bonuses rather than guarantee large portions of future base salaries. That structure could become the key to getting Kraft’s deal across the finish line.
There is also a fair reason for caution. Kraft is returning from the ACL tear he sustained in November 2025. Before the injury, he caught 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games. He now enters Sunday’s opener against Minnesota with a chance to prove that form again.
Currently, Kraft remains under his current contract and is set to play in Week 1. If Green Bay cannot reach an agreement soon, the talks can continue during the season. The Packers can also consider the franchise tag in March 2027.
So, the hold-up is not simply whether Green Bay wants to pay Kraft. It is how much, and how much of it, the Packers are willing to guarantee.
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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.

Oct 20, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers safety Evan Williams (33) celebrates as he runs off the field following the game against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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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Matthew Golden arrived in Green Bay with plenty of expectations. As the Packers' first first-round WR in more than two decades, he was expected to make an immediate impact. That did not happen last season. Golden showed caliber, but opportunities were limited in a crowded receiver room.
Now, heading into his second season, the conversation has changed. Based on Jordan Love's recent comments, the Packers believe Golden is ready for a much bigger role.

Clubhouse Live with Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden in the Fox Club at Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, Wisconsin on Monday, November 17, 2025.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
During a recent appearance on “Up & Adams with Kay Adams”, Jordan Love offered a strong endorsement of the young receiver and suggested that Golden's patience is about to pay off.
Love said,“He’s very hungry. Since he got here last year, you can tell he wants the ball. He was able to stay patient, and now it’s going to be his time to go out there and make these plays on the field.”
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Those remarks stood out because Love was not simply talking about Golden's talent. He focused on how the receiver handled a difficult rookie season and continued working despite a limited role in the offense.
Golden finished last season with just 44 targets, spending much of the year behind Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs in the Packers' receiver rotation. While Green Bay liked his potential, the opportunities were not always there.
Love reinforced that belief with another appearance on NFL Network from Packers training camp, where he revealed that Golden has a more defined role entering the season.
He said, “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.”
Also, the training camp reports have backed that up. Per Packers Report's Jacob Morley, his arrow is trending up after making some big-time catches in practice.
Golden's opportunity has also grown because the Packers' receiver room looks different than it did a year ago. Romeo Doubs left in free agency, and Green Bay moved on from Dontayvion Wicks during the offseason. As a result, there are more snaps and more targets available.
The Packers still view Christian Watson as a major part of the offense when healthy. But injuries have caused several hurdles in his career. Jayden Reed remains one of Green Bay's pro player, but Golden brings a different skill set with his speed and ability to stretch defenses.
Matt LaFleur has also spoken about simplifying roles for younger receivers. The goal is to help players react faster instead of thinking through multiple assignments.
Put everything together, and Love's message becomes easy to understand. The Packers are no longer talking about what Matthew Golden might become. They are talking about a receiver they expect to contribute right now. After waiting for his opportunity as a rookie, Golden appears set to play a far bigger role in Green Bay's offense in 2026.
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Matthew Golden keeps showing up in one place fantasy managers rarely expect to find a first-round wide receiver. The Green Bay Packers receiver sits outside the top 100 picks in many 2026 Yahoo fantasy football drafts.
That low price has started to catch the attention of analysts across the fantasy industry. On July 29, 2026, Yahoo Fantasy’s Matt Harmon, Josh Norris and Hayden Winks discussed Golden on the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast podcast and made a strong case that he could become one of the biggest draft bargains of the season.
Matthew Golden entered the NFL with elite speed and first-round expectations. His rookie year did not match the hype. Injuries interrupted his season, and he never found a consistent role in Green Bay’s offense.
Josh Norris said on the July 29 episode of the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast podcast that the public may have judged Golden too quickly.
“If he just came down with one fingertip grab in those opening handful of games when he was healthy, we’d have a totally different opinion of him,” Norris said on Yahoo Fantasy’s podcast.
Hayden Winks pushed the argument even further during the same discussion. “This is just a screaming value,” Winks said on Yahoo Fantasy Forecast. “Former first-rounders on good offenses usually go much earlier.”
He further added, And he didn't, and then he got hurt and didn't play. And so we're just getting a major discount on a player with flaws, but someone, Matt, I think at this price, and Hayden, that I think could see massive improvements in year two.”
The price creates the opportunity. Fantasy managers do not need Golden to become a WR1. They only need him to outperform a late-round draft slot.
Green Bay’s offseason makes that outcome more realistic. The Packers let Romeo Doubs leave in free agency and traded Dontayvion Wicks, leaving Golden, Christian Watson and Jayden Reed as the clear top trio.
Golden also looks different in training camp. According to Packers.com, Golden has opened camp by catching virtually everything Jordan Love throws his way and winning consistently on quick outs and stop routes.
Head coach Matt LaFleur has noticed the small details, too. “What do you do when you don’t have the football? Early indications are promising,” LaFleur told reporters after the Packers’ July 30 training camp practice.
Golden spent the offseason adding strength to his 5-foot-11 frame after a frustrating rookie campaign. Minor injuries forced him to miss three games and limited him in several others. He finished the regular season with 29 catches for 361 yards. The encouraging part came before the injuries hit. From late September through mid-October 2025, Golden caught 19 passes for 233 yards over a four-game stretch.
Then came the flash that Packers fans still remember. In the Jan. 2026 playoff game against the Bears, Golden caught four passes for 84 yards and scored his first NFL touchdown on a 23-yard catch-and-run.
Golden wants more than that one highlight. After practice on July 30, he told reporters that the touchdown represented only “a little bit of what I can do.”

Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
That confidence, combined with a larger role and Jordan Love’s trust, explains why fantasy experts keep circling his name.
Matthew Golden remains a risky pick. But with a cheaper ADP, a clearer path to targets and growing momentum inside Green Bay’s offense, he may be one of the smartest late-round swings in 2026 fantasy football drafts.
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Jaylon Johnson is stepping into the 2026 NFL season with a lot riding on him, and in Chicago, that matters. The Chicago Bears already trust him as one of the core players of their defense. Now, after a frustrating season filled with injuries, Johnson has a chance to remind everyone why he is still one of the league’s top CB’s.
That comeback is exactly why his profile in Chicago is rising fast. It is not just football anymore. It is leadership, marketability, and timing all coming together.

Jan 30, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC defensive back Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears (1) during the Satisfying Catch event at the Pro Bowl Skills Challenge at Nicholson Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Johnson’s return during Bears OTAs on May 29 at Halas Hall was one of the biggest defensive talking points of the spring. After missing the first phases of workouts, his presence instantly brought stability to a secondary that has dealt with injuries and uncertainty. Head coach Ben Johnson praised him for showing up and building chemistry, a key sign of the organization's high regard for him.
That value already shows up on paper. The Bears signed Johnson to a 4 year, $76 million extension in 2024, making him one of the highest paid CB’s in the NFL at the time. Teams don’t just hand out contracts like that unless they believe a player can anchor a defense for years.
And Johnson has earned it. Before injuries slowed him in 2025, he had built one of the strongest résumés among NFL corners. Two Pro Bowls, a Second-Team All-Pro in 2023, eight career interceptions, and over 50 pass breakups tell part of the story. The bigger story is what does not show in stats. Quarterbacks often avoid his side of the field completely. That kind of respect is hard to earn.
Now the timing lines up perfectly. With Caleb Williams becoming the face of the offense, Johnson has naturally become the face of the defense. That balance matters in a major market like Chicago. Brands look for players who feel authentic, tough, and dependable. Johnson checks all three boxes.
He fits the city’s identity. He plays with an edge, handles pressure, and rarely creates off-field noise. If the Bears make another playoff push in 2026 and Johnson stays healthy, his value will rise fast. In Chicago, when a player becomes the heartbeat of a contender, the business side usually catches up quickly.
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Matthew Golden continues to make a strong impression in Green Bay, and this time it has nothing to do with football. The Packers wide receiver spent part of his offseason giving back to the community on June 17, partnering with Freedom House of Green Bay and Lodge Kohler for the "Giving with Golden" donation drive. The event brought together fans, local organizations, and families in need, while offering another glimpse into the character that has quickly made Golden a fan favorite.
For Green Bay fans, it was a chance to meet one of the team's rising young stars. For Golden, it was a chance to make a difference.

Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Held at Leaps and Bounds Cafe in Green Bay, the event encouraged fans to donate pantry items, canned goods, cleaning supplies, and other household items. The items will help support families served by Freedom House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness.
Golden remained at the center of the effort throughout the day. Folks who contributed had the opportunity to take photos with Golden and collect signed merchandise, creating a positive experience while supporting a meaningful cause.
The impact of Golden's involvement did not go unnoticed. "The Packers are everything to Green Bay. They do a lot for the community. We feel really blessed and honored to be chosen by Matthew to be supported, and I couldn't be happier to be here today," Freedom House Executive Director Jennifer Schmohe said during the "Giving with Golden" event according to WBAY.
The comments reflected the appreciation felt throughout the organization. Green Bay has always embraced players who connect with the community, and Golden's latest initiative fit perfectly within that tradition.
While the NFL offseason often centers on workouts, roster moves, and training camp storylines, Golden used part of his summer to focus on something bigger. The event highlighted his commitment to serving the city that now cheers for him every Sunday. That connection matters in Green Bay. The Packers have long shared a unique relationship with their community, and Golden's involvement showed he understands the responsibility that comes with wearing the green and gold.
As training camp approaches, excitement continues to build around the young receiver. Yet before catching another pass or stepping onto the practice field, Matthew Golden already delivered a meaningful win for Green Bay by helping local families and bringing fans together for a worthy cause. Sometimes leadership starts long before kickoff. Golden showed exactly that with his community work.
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Brett Favre received good news in his long-running legal matter. While the HOF NFL star still faces an ongoing civil lawsuit tied to Mississippi's welfare spending scandal, a key decision from the state's highest court handed his legal team a crucial win.
Recently, the Mississippi Supreme Court overturned sanctions against Favre attorney Daniel Koevary. The ruling focused on how the lower court handled the matter, giving Favre's camp a boost as the broader case continues to unfold.

The main issue started earlier this year when a Hinds County Circuit Court judge took action against Daniel Koevary, one of the attorneys representing Brett Favre in the welfare fraud lawsuit.
The judge argued that several motions filed by Koevary created unnecessary delays and added complications to the proceedings. Hence, the court ordered him to cover legal expenses, removed him from further participation in the case, and appointed Favre's Mississippi-based attorney to handle future filings.
That verdict quickly became a new battleground in an already closely watched case. Koevary challenged the sanctions, arguing that the court never informed him that punishment was being considered. Favre also maintained that he never received an opportunity to explain or defend his actions before the penalties arrived
After reviewing the case, the Mississippi Supreme Court sided with that argument. The justices said courts must follow established legal procedures before imposing sanctions on attorneys. Even when judges question a lawyer's conduct, they must first provide notice and allow that lawyer to respond.
Per the ruling, those steps never took place in Koevary's case. As a result, the Supreme Court vacated the sanctions and remanded the matter to the Hinds County Circuit Court. The lower court can still revisit the case if it chooses, but it must first follow the proper legal process.
The decision does not affect the larger welfare fraud lawsuit involving Brett Favre. Mississippi officials continue their efforts to recover millions of dollars that investigators say flowed through programs funded by federal welfare money. Favre has constantly denied any wrongdoing. Throughout the case, he claimed he did not know that the funds for projects he supported came from welfare programs.
Even so, the latest ruling gives his legal team something it has not enjoyed often during this legal fight: momentum. The welfare lawsuit remains far from finished. Still, by clearing away the sanctions against one of Favre's attorneys, the Mississippi Supreme Court handed Favre's side a meaningful victory as the next chapter of the case approached.
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Caleb Downs stepped into the NFL world with plenty of hype. Now, he is getting something even more valuable: respect from veteran teammates.
The Big D brings the former Ohio State and Alabama star with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Expectations are already very high for the rookie safety. As per Rashan Gary's early impressions, the team thinks they have added more than just a talented defender.

The Big D made major changes to their defense this offseason after a frustrating last season. Jerry Jones' crew ranked last in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing 30.1 points per game. This season, the team responded by drafting pro players like Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence in the first round. Plus, signing veterans like Jalen Thompson, and trading for edge rusher Rashan Gary.
Amid this, Rashan Gary shared insights about Downs during the NFL Network's “Good Morning Football" segment.
He said,"He's a dog man. It's early, man, but he's a pro's pro. You know, having a young guy also trying to bring guys along. So just him being a natural leader, man. He's a great guy, and I just can't wait for him to keep on going and striving because we're going to need him."
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That remark makes sense because Gary did not focus on Downs' athletic ability or draft position. Instead, he pointed to leadership. For a rookie who has not yet played a regular-season snap, earning that kind of praise from a veteran star speaks volumes. Rashan Gary's words show the expectations surrounding Downs as Dallas tries to rebuild one of the league's worst defenses.
Downs arrived in Big D after one of the most decorated college careers in recent memory. Ohio State built its defense around him, and the results followed. The champ led the Buckeyes to the nation’s top-ranked defense in 2025, earning the Jim Thorpe Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy, and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.
He finished his college career with 257 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, six interceptions, and 17 passes defended across three seasons between Alabama and Ohio State. Following the draft, Ohio State HC Ryan Day described Downs as a player with elite instincts and leadership skills. Day also predicted that he would make an immediate impact.
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Rashan Gary arrived in Dallas recently, but one familiar name continues to follow him around. Every discussion about the Big D’s newest pass rusher seems to find its way back to Kenny Clark.
That is not because of a new trade rumor or another blockbuster move. It is because Gary and Clark spent seven seasons building one of the strongest bonds inside the Packers' locker room. Now that they are together again in Dallas, that link has become a major talking point among Cowboys fans heading into the season.

Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary (52) prays before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
That history came up almost immediately when Gary met reporters during his introductory conference call on March 12."KC is my dog," Gary said. "I've been in Green Bay seven years, and I've been with KC all seven, so he watched me mature as a man, mature as a player and he also gave me key pointers on the way up."
That stance offered insights into why Clark's name often popped up whenever Gary's matters get discussed. The link runs deeper than former teammates reuniting on a new roster. Clark played a key role throughout Gary's development in Green Bay, and Gary has never been shy about acknowledging that.
The reunion also comes at an important time for Dallas. Big D spent the offseason reshaping a defense that struggled through stretches of the 2025 season. Gary arrives with playoff experience, leadership and a reputation as one of the league's most disruptive edge defenders.
Clark already knows what he brings. In fact, Gary revealed during the March 12 conference call that he reached out to Clark shortly after the trade became official and told him it was "an honor and a privilege" to play alongside him again.
There is another Packers connection in the building as well. Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker worked with Gary during the early stages of his career in Green Bay. Gary called the reunion a "full circle moment" and praised Parker's understanding of the game.
All of it helps explain why the Gary-Clark storyline refuses to disappear. Fans see two longtime Packers stars reunited. Analysts see familiar chemistry joining a defense looking for answers. Gary sees something even simpler. A chance to win football games again in Dallas. That goal remains the focus, but for now, the Kenny Clark connection keeps Rashan Gary right at the center of Cowboys conversations.
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The Green Bay Packers did not bring in Zaire Franklin just to fill a roster spot. They acquired him because they wanted experience, leadership, and stability in the middle of their defense. Green Bay moved quickly before free agency opened in March 2026 and sent DT Colby Wooden to the Colts to complete the trade.
The move also revealed a shift in thinking. The Packers have leaned solely on one of the NFL’s youngest rosters in recent years. This time, they added a proven veteran who could control the defense from Day 1.

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) celebrates a touchdown from the sideline Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The main reason behind the Zaire Franklin move comes down to leadership. Franklin spent years handling defensive communication in Indy and built a strong reputation inside the Colts locker room. Green Bay clearly thinks of him as the right pick for Quay Walker after Walker left in free agency.
Franklin already has experience handling that pressure. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2022, he has averaged 161 tackles per season and rarely leaves the field. In 2024, he earned second-team All-Pro honors after recording 173 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, and five forced fumbles for Indy.
Durability also matters, just as experience does. Franklin missed only one game during his eight-year NFL career. For a Packers defense that wants more consistency, that reliability matters.
The link with new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon made the move even stronger. Gannon coached in Indianapolis from 2018 through 2020, while Franklin became a larger part of the defense. Franklin later revealed on the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast in May 2026 that the Packers had tried to trade for him for a long time
“Green Bay has been trying to trade for me for like six years," Franklin said. "(Brian Gutekunst) said that this is not news. They've been trying to trade for me before I was even starting. Green Bay has been wanting me for a long time.”
He also admitted Gannon’s arrival helped convince him the timing was finally right.
Green Bay backed that belief financially as well. The Packers restructured Franklin’s contract to a two-year, $18.01 million deal with a $3.75 million signing bonus and an average salary of about $9 million per year. His 2026 cap hit will be just over $7.1 million, allowing the Packers some wiggle room while still paying a veteran LB.
The contract, the green-dot role, and the leadership responsibilities all point to the same thing. The Packers did not trade for Franklin simply to add depth at linebacker. They brought him in to lead the defense on the field and inside the locker room.
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