Packers star Rejects Huge Offer from Raiders After Brady’s "Value Player of the Year" Praise, Seeks Long-Term Deal with Packers But Demands Salary

Green Bay, Wisconsin – 05/02/2026

In a surprising turn of events, Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft has rejected a massive contract offer from the Las Vegas Raiders following glowing praise from Tom Brady. Brady, during a FOX Sports broadcast, called Kraft the “Value Player of the Year” for the 2025 season, highlighting his contributions to the Packers and his strong performance despite a modest contract. This praise has likely raised Kraft’s market value, but the young tight end is still focused on securing a long-term deal with the Packers — although the terms he is seeking may exceed Green Bay's current salary cap flexibility.

Kraft, who became a key part of the Packers' offense in 2025, played a pivotal role in the team’s success, especially in the red zone and as a blocking tight end. His development into a top-tier tight end earned him significant recognition, and he was included in multiple “best value” lists due to his rookie contract cap hit of just $1-2 million. After Brady’s comments, which highlighted Kraft’s exceptional performance, the Raiders reportedly made a bold move, offering Kraft a substantial deal to bring him to Las Vegas.

However, Kraft made it clear that his heart was still with the Packers. "If you just look at the numbers and make a judgment, you don’t understand anything about the Packers. This is a team built on unity, and no individual accolade is greater than the team. Everything I have is because of the Packers." Kraft said in a statement. He expressed his desire to remain in Green Bay, where he feels deeply connected to both the team and the fanbase, but acknowledged that the Packers would need to meet his demands for a long-term, lucrative contract.

While Kraft’s loyalty to the Packers is evident, his contract expectations may create a financial challenge for Green Bay. The team is currently navigating a tight salary cap and may struggle to meet Kraft’s demand for a deal that exceeds their available budget. Sources close to the situation indicate that Kraft is seeking a contract that aligns more closely with top-tier tight ends in the league, a deal that would likely require a significant portion of Green Bay’s cap space.

Despite the potential for a lucrative offer from the Raiders, Kraft emphasized the importance of team cohesion and the unique bond he shares with the Packers. "If you just look at the numbers and make a judgment, you don’t understand anything about the Packers. This is a team built on unity, and no individual accolade is greater than the team. Everything I have is because of the Packers."

For now, the ball is in Green Bay’s court. Kraft’s desire to stay with the Packers, combined with his increased market value after Brady’s praise, presents a tricky situation for general manager Brian Gutekunst. While the Packers would love to keep Kraft for the long term, they may have to navigate difficult salary cap decisions to make it happen. Green Bay’s future plans will likely depend on how they approach this situation in the coming weeks, as Kraft’s market continues to heat up following the Raiders’ big offer.

As free agency looms, Kraft’s future remains uncertain. Will the Packers be able to meet his demands for a long-term deal, or will another team, like the Raiders, swoop in with an offer that Green Bay cannot match? Regardless of the outcome, Kraft’s situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between loyalty, team success, and financial realities in the NFL.