The Green Bay Packers have secured tight end Tucker Kraft to a contract extension, General Manager Brian Gutekunst announced on Saturday, locking in one of the league’s young pass-catchers for the foreseeable future according to official franchise data.
Selected out of South Dakota State in the third round—No. 78 overall—of the 2023 NFL Draft, Kraft has quickly developed into a cornerstone of the Packers’ offense. Over his first three NFL seasons, he has appeared in 42 regular-season games with 33 starts, while also starting all three postseason contests he has played in, according to official franchise data.
During that span, Kraft hauled in 113 receptions for 1,551 yards and 15 touchdowns during the regular season, averaging 13.7 yards per catch. In the postseason, he added 10 receptions for 50 yards and another score. Franchise records show that his 1,551 receiving yards mark the most by a Packers tight end in his first three NFL seasons since 1970, while his 113 catches rank second among tight ends in the franchise over the same timeframe.
Elite Efficiency and Historic Company
Kraft’s production places him in rare historical company across the National Football League. According to team records, he is only the third tight end since 2000 to record at least 100 catches, 1,500 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, and an average of 13.5 yards per catch or higher in his first three professional seasons. He joins elite company in that regard, matching the early-career production of Mark Andrews (2018–20) and Rob Gronkowski (2010–12).
Advanced metrics further underline his value on the field. Since entering the league in 2023, among players with a minimum of 100 targets, Kraft ranks No. 1 in the NFL in passer rating when targeted at 135.0. Furthermore, among tight ends with at least 50 receptions, he sits at the top of the league in yards after the catch per reception with an average of 9.1, and ranks second in yards per catch at 13.7.
Looking Ahead
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