The Green Bay Packers and tight end Tucker Kraft have spent the offseason and training camp expressing mutual interest in a long-term contract extension.
That agreement remains unfinished as the regular season approaches. General Manager Brian Gutekunst addressed the situation Wednesday and made clear the organization wants to get it resolved.
“We would love to have that done. These things are complicated at times,” Gutekunst said.
“Whether we accomplish that before the beginning of the season, we’ll see. We’re excited for what he’s going to do for us both this year and in the future.”
Kraft is 25 years old and entering a critical stage of his career. He is coming back from a torn ACL that ended his 2025 season early.
The injury struck while he was putting together a strong campaign.
In eight games before the setback, Kraft recorded 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns. Those numbers pointed to a breakout performance that had Packers fans and coaches optimistic about his role in the offense.
A third-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft, Kraft is now in the final season of his rookie contract. Across his young career he has compiled 113 catches for 1,551 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Those totals reflect steady production and growing trust from the coaching staff.
The Packers have long valued tight ends who can contribute both as receivers and blockers, and Kraft has shown ability in both areas when healthy. Negotiations of this type often involve complex salary-cap calculations, guaranteed money discussions and projections of future performance.
Gutekunst’s comments suggest both sides remain engaged even if the paperwork is not yet complete. Packers officials have repeatedly stated their desire to keep productive young players under contract for the long term.
Kraft’s recovery from the knee injury will be monitored closely throughout the coming months. If he returns to the form he displayed before the ACL tear, his value to the roster only increases.
The timing of any extension could influence roster decisions and salary-cap planning for the rest of the year.
For now, the focus remains on preparing for the season while talks continue in the background. Gutekunst’s public remarks leave little doubt about the team’s intentions.
They want Kraft signed to a new deal and they want him contributing at a high level this season and beyond. Whether that happens before Week 1 is still uncertain, but the general manager’s tone was positive.
Kraft has already shown he can produce in the Packers’ offense when given the opportunity. His combination of size, hands and athleticism fits the scheme well.
As the final year of his current contract begins, both the player and the franchise appear motivated to find common ground. The coming weeks will reveal whether those talks produce a finished agreement.
