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CBS Sports's Zachary Pereles argued veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas as a fit to return for the Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers have made quite a few moves this offseason. Many of those moves were decisions to let key players from last season leave town.

On paper, Matt LaFleur and the Packers should be a legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2026. However, the NFC North is stacked and the conference as a whole is loaded with talent.

With that being said, the offseason is not over. Green Bay still has some key decisions to make about the future. One of those decisions will come regarding wide receiver Christian Watson.

Earlier this offseason, the Packers saw Romeo Doubs leave town in NFL free agency. They also decided to trade Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles. Jayden Reed was given a contract extension in addition to those two moves.

Now, Green Bay will need to decide what kind of extension to give Watson. Brian Gutekunst has been adamant about the team’s desire to give Watson a new deal.

Packers Land New Projection Regarding Christian Watson

Pro Football Focus analyst Michael Ginnitti has come up with numbers that the Packers could extend Watson with. He thinks a three-year deal worth around $54 million would do the trick.

“Prediction: Watson secures a 3-year, $54M extension, with $20M guaranteed at signing,” Ginnitti wrote.

Watson has been an elite weapon for Green Bay when healthy. However, the fact of the matter is that he hasn’t been able to stay on the field consistently.

For the Packers to invest big money into Watson, they will need to be confident that he can produce at the level needed. At least for now, it seems that Green Bay has that level of confidence in him with the way the front office has talked about wanting a new deal.

What Has Christian Watson Done With the Packers?

Since being drafted with the No. 34 overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Watson has played in just 48 games. He has never played an entire season since joining the Packers.

In those 48 games he has played, the 26-year-old wide receiver has racked up 133 receptions for 2,264 yards and 20 touchdowns. Watson has averaged 17 yards per reception.

Keeping him around would make total sense for Green Bay. Paying him around $18 million per season would be a gamble, but it’s one the Packers should take.

Jordan Love needs an elite deep threat on the roster. Outside of Watson, Green Bay simply doesn’t have one. In order to continue giving their star quarterback the best weapons possible, the Packers should try to work out a new deal with Watson.

Expect to continue hearing rumors and updates about Watson in the coming weeks. It seems very likely the two sides will be able to get something done.