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With an average annual salary of $18.75 million, the 25-year-old now ranks as the third-highest-paid player at his position in the NFL. According to reports, the structure of the agreement provides Kraft with $31.5 million in the first year alone, reflecting the organization's commitment to the third-round draft pick.
A Swift Return to Form
Kraft’s new contract comes as he completes a rigorous recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee, an injury that prematurely ended a breakout campaign last season. Prior to the injury, the tight end had established himself as a vital component of the Packers' passing attack, recording 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns through the first nine weeks of the season.
Following surgery in mid-November, Kraft remained in Green Bay throughout the offseason to focus on his rehabilitation. His recovery progressed ahead of schedule, with medical evaluations at the nine-month mark suggesting his knee was performing as if it had undergone more than a year of healing. Despite beginning training camp on the physically unable to perform list, he quickly returned to individual drills and was participating in full-contact 11-on-11 sessions by mid-August.
Commitment to the Team
Throughout the negotiation process, Kraft maintained a focus on his availability, explicitly stating he would not hold out or miss regular-season games while waiting for a deal. He emphasized his desire to contribute to the team's postseason aspirations, noting that his priority was to be on the field for the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. While he acknowledges the team may manage his snap count during the first half of the season, he remains eager to return to the high-volume workload he handled previously.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur praised the tight end’s work ethic during his recovery, while general manager Brian Gutekunst expressed a long-standing desire to retain the player. The signing of Kraft continues a trend of aggressive roster management for Green Bay, which has recently secured long-term extensions for wide receivers Jayden Reed and Christian Watson, as well as defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. With this latest move, the Packers have ensured that every offensive starter is under contract through at least the 2028 season.
