With the NFL adding roughly $25 million to each team's cap annually and clubs routinely spending 10 % over cap, teams are rushing to lock in talent early. The Eagles have led the charge, securing long‑term deals for key players over the past five years.
Watson, who signed a one‑year extension last season, is still eligible for a multi‑year contract and could be a top free‑agent in 2026. If the Packers wait, they risk losing him to a bidding war or a higher market price after Alec Pierce, the sixth‑best free‑agent, signs with the Colts or another team. Securing Watson now would also protect the franchise from the 2027 cap jump and a potential market reset.