Packers Face Pressure to Lock in Watson Amid Soaring WR Contracts

0:00On March 24th, the Green Bay Packers passed on wide receiver Jackson Smith-Enjigba three years ago in the first round, picking Lucas Van Ness instead. Since then, Smith and Jiba has racked up 282 catches, 3551 yards, and 20 touchdowns over three. Seasons. He's earned two pro-bowl nods and won a Superbowl ring with Seattle. Now, his new contract is shaking up the wide receiver market, which could make things tougher for the Packers as they negotiate with their own star, Christian Watson. Last summer, Green Bay gave Watson a one-year extension while he recovered from a torn ACL. Watson bounced back strong, hauling in 35 passes for 611 yards and six touchdowns in just 10 games. That performance has in prime for a big multi-year deal this offseason. Meanwhile, the market is heating up fast. Alec Pierce just signed a $114 million extension with Indianapolis, including $84 million fully guaranteed at $28.5 million per year.

1:03Smith and Jibba's deal pushes the ceiling even higher for top receivers. As Watson heads toward free agency next year, the Packers face growing pressure to lock him in soon before his price climbs with the rest of the, exploding receiver contracts.