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.
Tucker Kraft Wants to Reset the Tight End Market But Guarantees Remain The Problem
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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