Christian Watson Grateful for $11M Extension That Gave Him Recovery Peace of Mind
Entering a contract year with a torn ACL, Packers receiver Christian Watson found himself in a high-stakes prove-it situation ahead of the 2025 season. What he looked like in his return would determine how much money he made in 2026, on what kind of contract. How many years, what percentage of guaranteed money? With the Packers, or elsewhere?
In all likelihood, Watson would have only half a season prove himself depending on when he returned. His NFL future hovered in uncertainty.
The Packers took care of that by giving Watson an $11 million extension that keeps him under contract through 2026. The deal, he said, removed a looming burden from his recovery.
Packers, Watson reached mutually beneficial deal that allowed him to focus on proper process
“No doubt. From the stuff on the field and to the stuff off the field, it definitely took a lot of pressure off of my mind,” Watson
He also said he wasn’t worried about playing for next year’s contract down the stretch this season, but that the extension helped his sense of security given his injury past and the significance of an ACL injury.
“I mean, I know what I’m capable of. What I’m worth as a player relative to the market. But, you know, it’s risk and reward when it comes down to it, with the injuries that I’ve had in the past and coming off a major injury like this. So it was just weighing the risk and weighing the reward of going both ways with it,” Watson said.
Formerly set to hit free agency this winter, his is now on the books through the next two seasons in Green Bay, where he was drafted 34th overall in 2022. The extension includes over $6 million guaranteed and is a sizable increase from the per-year value of his rookie contract. It has also allowed him to approach rehab with the right mindset.
“The gist of the deal really was just to take a little of pressure off of myself, to feel like I have to do more than I should be doing to get back. And, you know, once I got back, not being as smart with it, trying to go out there and just not do too much.”
Securing his immediate future has helped Watson feel like he can prioritize his health and “just play free” upon returning. “It’s definitely a blesssing. It means a lot to me and I’m glad we were able to get it done.”
Last season for the Packers, Watson caught 29 passes for 620 yards. Continuing to make excellent progress, he expects to come off the PUP list and return to practice in just a couple of weeks.
John Harbaugh Reveals Shocking Strategy That Helped Browns Contain Derrick Henry: "They Took Away His Identity"
In an explosive post-game revelation, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh opened up about how the Cleveland Browns managed to stifle the NFL's most feared running back, Derrick Henry, in their recent matchup. Harbaugh, whose Ravens were left frustrated by Henry’s inability to break through against the Browns, praised Cleveland’s defensive game plan for effectively neutralizing the Titans’ star.
“The Browns did something unique," Harbaugh said. "They didn’t just tackle Derrick Henry; they took away his identity. They didn’t allow him to get downhill, didn’t let him get any momentum. They put him in situations where he couldn’t use his size or power to wear down the defense."
Henry, known for his punishing runs and ability to take over games, was held to a shockingly low total in the game, rushing for just 45 yards—well below his typical output. The Browns’ defense, with its physical and disciplined approach, completely shut down Henry's usual dominance, frustrating the Titans’ offense and forcing them into uncomfortable situations.
“The way they attacked him, the way they forced him into negative plays—it was impressive,” Harbaugh continued. “They made it clear that Henry wasn’t going to beat them. That’s not easy to do, especially with a guy like him.”
For the Browns, this win over Henry and the Titans marked a defining moment for their defense, showing that they are not only capable of stopping the run but of shutting down one of the most explosive backs in NFL history. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s aggressive tactics paid off, with his defensive line and linebackers dominating the line of scrimmage.
"The game plan was simple—don’t let him get started," said Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. "When you stop Derrick Henry, you take away a huge part of their offense. That was the key to the game."
The Ravens’ struggles against Henry are now a stark reminder that shutting down the NFL’s elite running backs requires more than just good tackling; it requires a mindset and execution that puts the defense in control. Harbaugh’s praise for the Browns’ defense may be seen as a warning for any team hoping to face Henry in the future—if Cleveland can do it, others will surely try.
As the NFL season continues, the Browns’ defense has proven they’re a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to neutralize Henry’s power game sets the stage for more fierce battles ahead. The question now is: Can any team stop Derrick Henry the way Cleveland did?
