Over the course of this off-season, the Green Bay Packers gave contract extensions to two of their best wide receivers. Jayden Reed received a three-year deal worth $50.25 million, which ensures that 2026 will not be his final season in Green Bay. Christian Watson, who was also entering the final year of his ties to the Packers, got a much larger contract.
Last month, it was reported that the Packers signed Watson to a four-year $110.5 million contract extension. This was later corrected to a $92 million deal, with the remaining money tied to escalators. This means that the 2022 second round pick can earn the rest of the $18.5 million by hitting certain milestones and/or receiving certain postseason recognition.
Christian Watson will have to ball out for the Green Bay Packers to earn every penny
When Watson’s contract extension with the Packers was announced, the news was met with mixed reactions. More rational and knowledgeable fans who understand that the offense is better when he is on the field were excited about it. However, those that only care about his past injuries were upset.
What would be fair to say is that all Green Bay fans were frustrated whenever Watson got hurt. Indeed, a player that cannot stay healthy does not do his team much good. That being said, Watson’s soft-tissue injuries are a thing of the past, and torn ACL’s can happen to just about anyone.
With that, it is important to note now that Watson’s contract is not fully guaranteed. Indeed, only the $31 million signing bonus he got is the only money he is guaranteed to get. The rest of it is based on roster bonuses, workout bonuses, and base salary over the duration of the deal.
And that $18.5 million? Well, he is going to have to produce in order to get it:
Finally got the escalators and incentives for Christian Watson’s four-year, $92.5 million contract extension.
There’s the possibility of another $15.05 million based on the following: pic.twitter.com/NR2idEKrja
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) June 19, 2026
As one can see, all of these milestones and benchmarks are based on stats Watson can achieve only by staying healthy. And when healthy, he has to be the productive wide receiver he has proven that he can be.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!