The NFL has seen $25 million per year salary‑cap increases and teams spending 10 % over cap in cash, pushing clubs to lock in talent early. The Philadelphia Eagles lead this trend, signing players to long‑term deals five years ahead of market shifts.
For the Packers, Christian Watson is eligible for an extension despite a recent one‑year deal. With Alec Pierce ranked as the sixth‑best free agent in 2026, the team must act before Pierce’s potential multi‑year contract inflates the market and forces Watson to face a higher risk of injury or performance decline.