Wide receiver Christian Watson has reached agreement with the Green Bay Packers on a massive four-year contract extension valued at $110.5 million that will keep him with the team through 2030, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.
The source confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on Thursday under the condition of anonymity since the contract has not been officially completed. The extension includes a $31 million signing bonus, with ESPN being first to report the agreement.
The 27-year-old Watson suffered a torn right ACL during Green Bay’s final regular season game in 2024, but returned last season to haul in 35 receptions for 611 yards and six touchdowns across 10 games. Despite being sidelined for much of the campaign, he shared the team lead in scoring catches and finished second in receiving yards.
When questioned Wednesday about potential contract talks, Watson expressed optimism about reaching a deal.
“Yeah, that’s the hope,” Watson said during the Packers’ organized team activities. “I mean, I kind of just put it all in my agent’s hands, and you know, when it’s getting to that point down the wire, he’ll obviously let me in on it. But for now, I’m just worried about what I can worry about, and just let him do his job.”
Watson had previously signed a one-year, $13.25 million extension last fall while rehabilitating his torn ACL, which extended his deal through 2026. This new agreement provides him with much greater long-term security.
Watson joins teammate Jayden Reed as the second Packers receiver to secure an extension this offseason. Reed inked a three-year deal in April featuring $50.25 million in new money with $20 million guaranteed.
These two players are anticipated to anchor a receiving corps that saw departures when Romeo Doubs joined the New England Patriots and Dontayvion Wicks was dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles.
“It was definitely tough to see those guys go because they’re great friends of mine, great teammates,” Watson commented this week. “This thing always keeps on moving. I definitely think they’ll be a lot more opportunities for the guys who are out there this year, myself included. Just got to embrace that and continue to make plays when our numbers are called.”
Selected in the second round of the 2022 draft from North Dakota State, Watson has established himself as a reliable deep threat for Green Bay when healthy. However, various injuries have restricted him to just 48 games during his initial four professional seasons.
Watson discussed this week how beneficial it has been to experience a complete offseason while healthy instead of rehabbing from injury.
“It makes a big difference between just finding a rhythm and building that confidence with the whole offense and personally just being able to work on my craft and get a feel for things,” Watson explained. “It’s definitely a lot smoother of an offseason for me this year, being able to do everything.”
Through his career, Watson has recorded 133 receptions for 2,264 yards — averaging 17 yards per catch — along with 20 touchdown catches. He has also scored twice on rushing attempts.
Only Billy Howton and James Lofton are the other players in franchise history to maintain at least a 17-yard average per reception while recording a minimum of 125 catches during their first four seasons.
