Sportsnaut
Green Bay Packers training camp begins this upcoming week with the club’s path to recapturing the Lombardi Trophy beginning. From position battles to young players with something to prove, there will be a lot to keep an eye on at Ray Nitschke Field this summer. Before practices get underway, we are taking some swings at things that will happen.
Let’s dive into a few predictions for Packers training camp.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has made contract extensions a priority this summer. Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Devonte Wyatt and Isaiah McDuffie all got one ahead of training camp, and that leaves one player left. Tucker Kraft, who was playing at an All-Pro level prior to his ACL tear against the Carolina Panthers, might start Packers training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but he won’t be on it for long. The good news already is that Green Bay’s best pass-catcher is expected to be ready for Week 1. We also feel increasingly confident that Kraft will have a new contract extension by the second week of August. It makes sense for it to be in the range of a four-year deal, added onto his current contract, that makes him the first tight end in NFL history to hit a $20 million average annual salary. Similar to the contracts with Wyatt and Watson, the guaranteed money will be lower and Green Bay will protect itself a bit financially for injury.
Related: Latest On Tucker Kraft Contract Extension Talks with Packers
This is probably our boldest prediction for Packers training camp. Veteran Sean Rhyan signed a three-year, $33 million contract with Green Bay in March after performing quite well as an injury replacement for Elgton Jenkins. There’s certainly a strong case to be made for having continuity at center, given that Rhyan and quarterback Jordan Love have started together. However, rookie fifth-round pick Jager Burton was one of the biggest standouts for the Packers during OTAs and minicamp. We see that continuing this summer, with Burton first turning it into a true battle for the starting center spot in early August and then taking the job from Rhyan right before Week 1.
Related: Young Players to Keep An Eye on During Packers Training Camp
It certainly feels like wide receiver Matthew Golden is flying under the radar when it comes to breakout picks for the 2026 NFL season. We get that the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft had a very quiet rookie season, producing just 361 receiving yards with 29 receptions and 0 touchdowns in the regular season. What also seems clear, however, is that the Packers coaching staff had a long-term plan for him. Furthermore, the front office letting Romeo Doubs walk in free agency and trading away Dontayvion Wicks, all without spending a single draft pick...
