The NFL’s salary‑cap landscape is shifting, with teams adding roughly $25 million per year and routinely spending 10 % over cap on player cash. Clubs are rushing to lock in talent early to avoid future price hikes.
For Green Bay, securing a long‑term deal with receiver Christian Watson—who is eligible for an extension despite a recent one‑year contract—should be a priority before Alec Pierce signs a multi‑year deal. Pierce is the sixth‑best free agent in 2026 and could spark a bidding war, while Watson’s contract is still a year away from free agency, making a 2026 signing advantageous before the 2027 cap jump or a market reset.