Packers' Watson Contract, Draft Strategy: Tough Calls Ahead

On April 4th, Packers fans are buzzing about the off-season mail-back from columnist Pete

Doherty diving into hot topics like Wide Receiver Christian, Watson's next contract, and

draft moves.

Watson's got the size, speed, and big playability with a career of 17.5 yards per catch, but

injuries have kept him from a full season, topping out at 41 catches and 620 yards.

The markets heating up, with recent deals like Alec Pierce's 28.5 million a year extension

in Indianapolis as a solid comp.

Pierce is similar, a deep threat with high yards per catch, but Watson showed better all

around skills last year, nailing possession routes despite his leg issues.

Teens worry about guarantees against injury, so expect roster bonuses to hedge bets, like

the kind New England just used, paying $250,000 per game played.

Watson's got leverage if he bets on himself, but staying healthy could push his value even

higher.

On the draft front, Doherty sees the Packers more likely trading down for extra picks than

up for a star, given all their needs now and later.

Gouda Kunst might even slide from second to third round for three picks there, depending

on the talent pool.

Bottom line, Packers brass faces tough calls on Watson's deal and draft swings to build

depth without overreaching.

That's the story for today, NFL News Today, driven by AI, I'm Corey with The Story.