Even in the midst of rehab for his torn ACL, the Green Bay Packers have taken the somewhat unusual but telling step of rewarding wide receiver Christian Watson with a one-year, $13.25 million contract extension. The move stakes him to the organization through the 2026 season—granting him both financial and professional stability as he battles back from a serious knee injury. In doing so, the team sends an implicit message of confidence in his recovery and long‑term value, even as he remains sidelined and unable to play this season while on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list
Watson, just 26 years old, is rehabbing from a torn right ACL suffered in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears on January,6, 2025—a noncontact mishap that ended his season and placed his availability for the start of 2025 in serious doubt Packers coach Matt LaFleur described the injury as an unfortunate blow not just to the team but to Watson personally, murmuring, “I hurt for him. I hurt for our team, but more for him just because I know how much he’s put into this thing” That insight paints a picture of a player who has earned the respect of his locker room through his effort and attitude.
Entering the 2025 season on the PUP list, Watson is required to sit out at least the first four games. General Manager Brian Gutekunst has been cautiously optimistic—saying Watson is “ahead of the curve,” but emphasizing the importance of not skipping any steps in the recovery timeline A roughly midseason return—perhaps around Week 5 or so—is being targeted, though not yet certain. In training camp and OTAs, Watson reportedly looked promising; LaFleur and Gutekunst have praised his progress, remarking that “when you see him run … you want to throw him out there, right?” even while acknowledging the need for medical caution
Over his recent three-plus seasons in the NFL—having been drafted in the second round in 2022 out of North Dakota State—Watson has amassed 98 receptions for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns across 38 games (35 starts) . His average of 16.9 yards per catch since 2022 ranks third in the NFL among players with at least 75 receptionsHe posted 29 receptions for a career-high 620 yards in the 2024 season, despite missing a couple of games. That combination of big-play potential—his speed, verticality, and size—and production made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons when healthy, and one of the most intriguing talents in Green Bay’s offense.
The extension, though modest in length, underlines the team’s faith in his upside and desire to maintain continuity in their route‑running arsenal. From Watson’s perspective, it offers peace of mind and the freedom to focus solely on rehab. No longer will he be splitting energy between regaining strength and negotiating for his next contract while coach and team watch from the sidelines; now, he’s locked in, and the tentative timeline for his return may now shift from uncertainty to countdown.
Still, this investment isn’t without risk. Watson has battled injuries before—most notably hamstring problems during his 2023 campaign—and durability has been a source of concern (Packers, Reddit). Indeed, some fans and analysts have questioned whether his body can hold up long term, with discussions even considering whether the Packers might use the extension as a hedge on his recovery, while possibly preparing to move on after 2026 (Acme Packing Company, Reddit). The drafting of rookie receivers like Matthew Golden and Savion Williams suggests the team is preparing for multiple outcomes—but Watson’s extension shows he’s very much still central to the plans—for now (Acme Packing Company).
Packers media and insiders have universally praised his work ethic during this rehab period. When updates emerged from Davie, Florida—where Watson reportedly connected with ACL-rehab veteran Stefon Diggs—the reports all noted his mental toughness and leadership; staying with the team, encouraging younger receivers, and maintaining a positive mentality (Packers, NBC Sports, Fantasy Football Calculator). As one redditor noted in a widely read Packers forum: “He’ll have his surgery soon, and should be back around Week 12, with a normal rehab.… He remains in good spirits and ready to attack this with everything he’s got” (Reddit). Another fan cited his inconsistency of staying healthy but acknowledged his upside: “Tons of pro athletes come back stronger than before if they attack rehab the correct way” (Reddit).
From a financial and roster‑management standpoint, the extension does carry implications. Packers may be stretching cap flexibility, having already planned a “credit card” style cap approach to fund rosters into 2026 before a mid‑cycle rebuild. With Watson now secured, along with other key players like Romeo Doubs, Rasheed Walker, Sean Rhyan, and Quay Walker potentially entering contract years, GM Gutekunst may be forced to juggle contract timelines while also preparing for future rebuilding
Yet, the team clearly values Watson’s game‑breaking traits. When healthy, he brings vertical speed, mismatch potential, and explosive manufacturing in ways few others can. If he can regain health midseason and show he’s still a threat on deep routes, that one‑year extension may look like a bargain. Failure to come back, or re‑injury, would obviously change the calculus—but as of now, the Packers are betting on the former outcome.
In summary, at its heart, Green Bay’s move to extend Christian Watson by one year and $13.25 million in the middle of his rehab says this: he is too valuable to the team’s identity and future to let expire as a free agent, even if he starts the season unable to play. The team wants to ensure he remains part of the fold. For Watson, this eliminates the stress of contract negotiation and replaces it with focus and recovery. The timeline suggests that, barring setbacks, he could return later in the 2025 season—possibly around midseason—and rejoin a receiving corps that’s been building the interim offense in his absence. He’ll have the time to rehab without pressure, knowing his place in Green Bay is secure.
It’s a gamble based on faith in his talent, character, and work ethic. Given the weight of his vertical game, the yards‑after‑catch ability, and the downfield splitting capacity he offers, the Packers must believe that when Watson returns healthy, the payoff will justify the investment. Moreover, in today’s NFL, where continuity, speed and explosive playmakers are scarce, locking him in provides insurance and continuity that few short‑term deals offer. If he does return and performs well, 2026 could be the stage for a more substantial multiyear deal. If not, the one-year nature of the extension limits financial exposure and allows flexibility beyond this season.
Watson’s story beyond the stats and contract is one of perseverance: emerging from multiple soft‑tissue injuries, leading a young WR room, rehabbing an ACL with positivity, and earning an unexpected extension in the process. Green Bay’s decision reflects both strategic patience and belief in a game‑changing athlete who, when healthy, can reshape a game with a single catch. As the season plays out, all eyes will be on his return—both for what he could mean to the offense, and whether he can finally stay on the field and unlock his yet‑unfinished potential.
Let me know if you’d like more emphasis on statistics, contract‐cap dynamics, rehab science, or fan/community reactions—or if you’d prefer tightening the language or adjusting tone.
