Packers Sign Jayden Reed To Extension; Is Christian Watson Next?

Reed also became the only receiver in team history to post 900-plus yards from scrimmage in each of his first two seasons.

Despite being the Packers’ top option in the passing game, there were seven games in 2024 where Reed had two catches, or fewer. Reed’s receptions and touchdowns also dipped from his 2023 numbers.

“I think that we could have done better from a staff perspective of trying to put him in some more advantageous situations where he could have produced those numbers, because he’s an explosive player and he’s one of those guys that you want to get the ball to, no doubt about it,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said of Reed after the 2024 season.

Reed’s 2025 season was a frustrating one as he spent 2 ½ months on the injured reserve list with a shoulder injury. Reed then had a critical drop when the Packers were trying to rally late in their 31-27 playoff loss to Chicago.

“That’s all me man,” Reed said. “I’ve got to make that catch, you know. If I want to be that guy for this team I’ve got to make the catch. Who knows? I could have broke out and scored. At critical moments I have to be at my best. So I take that. That’s blame on me.”

Reed is just 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, and in a big man’s game his durability will always be an issue. He is extremely quick in the slot, though, and has terrific toughness, two qualities Green Bay loves.

Watson signed a one-year, $13.25 million contract extension in Sept., 2025, keeping him under contract in Green Bay through 2026. The Packers would love to lock Watson up long term, and with Reed’s deal done, they can now turn their attention in that direction.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com