Christian Watson contract: Details revealed for Packers WR's extension

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson received a one-year contract extension this week, keeping his with the franchise through the 2026 season. Now, details for his deal have been revealed.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the contract features a one-year, $11 million base extension with $6 millon guaranteed. The $6 million will come in the form of a signing bonus while he $11 million also includes $1.85 million in 46-man roster bonuses next year.

Watson was selected by the Packers in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, No. 34 overall. He’s been productive for Green Bay since joining the team, logging 98 receptions for 1,653 yards with 14 touchdowns. He also rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries.

However, he’s still recovering from a torn ACL suffered during the 2024 season. Watson has yet to see the field this season for the Packers, but is expected back on the field sometime before the end of the season. He’s currently on the PUP list.

Despite his injury, Watson played 15 games for the Packers in 2024. During his appearances, the Green Bay wideout caught 29 of his 53 targets for 620 yards and two touchdowns. That was a career-high in receiving yards for Watson, but a career-low in touchdowns scored. He scored at least five touchdowns in each of his first two seasons in the league.

The extension allows Watson to focus on his recovery instead of playing for an extension this season. Instead, he’s allowed the cushion of an extra year on his contract to prove he’s a long-term asset to the Packers offense.

It’s clear the Packers see something in Watson. After all, his numbers have backed them up. Since entering the NFL in 2022, Watson’s averaged 16.9 yards per catch — the third most among receivers with 75 or more receptions during that span.

What isn’t known is when Watson may return to the field, but the Packers will hope that it’s sooner rather than later. For now, he’ll remain on the sidelines rehabbing his knee as the Packers are set to host the Washington Commanders on Week 2’s edition of Thursday Night Football.

Kickoff is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 8:15 p.m. ET live on Prime Video. Green Bay is a 3.5-point betting favorite to beat the Commanders inside Lambeau Field, per BetMGM. The over/under is set at 48 total points.