The NFL market continues to see significant salary cap increases of $25 million per year, making it crucial for teams to lock in key players early. Christian Watson, eligible for an extension despite his recent one-year deal, presents an opportunity for the Packers to secure their young receiver before prices rise further.
With Alec Pierce, the sixth-best free agent in 2026, potentially resetting the market for similar players like Watson, Green Bay has a window to act. Both receivers are comparable as long, vertical threats, and Watson's advantage is that he's still a year away from free agency. The Packers should capitalize on this timing before Pierce's deal either sets a new market benchmark or triggers a bidding war that could impact Watson's value.