The Green Bay Packers have some financial decisions to make that will determine how much they are able to spend in free agency, as well as who they will be able to target. Some of these decisions involve releasing current players, the most notable of which is two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander. And while the Packers have not ruled out bringing him back in 2025, Alexander made his displeasure with the organization quite clear after the season ended.
Every year, there is always a great deal of talk about how much salary cap space the Packers have going into the offseason, as well as rumors and suggestions regarding what players they can use that money to sign. However, what is lost on some is the fact that a portion of that money can and will be used on players that they already have.
Specifically, this offseason Green Bay needs to make fifth-year option decisions on two of their players.
The Green Bay Packers Must Make 5th Year Option Decisions on Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt
Thanks to the Davante Adams trade, the Packers had two first round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, which they used on linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. As both players now enter their fourth season in the league, Green Bay needs to decide if they want to pick up their fifth-year options, and they have until May 1 to do so.
Last offseason, the Packers declined the fifth-year option on oft-injured cornerback Eric Stokes, which means that he is a free agent this year.
According to Over the Cap, Wyatt’s fifth-year option salary is roughly $13.4 million, and Walker’s is an astounding $16.4 million. Combined, they would command nearly $30 million in salary cap space in 2025, which would take up a significant portion of their available funds.
Of course, the Packers do not have to pick up either of their options; but declining them would mean they would be in danger of losing them to free agency.
And Gutekunst is not so keen on seeing one of them leave.
Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst Wants Quay Walker Around Long-Term
According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Gutekunst told reporters at the NFL Draft Combine that he would like to find a way to keep Walker, specifically, around long-term:
“The linebacker for the fifth-year option is a little wonky because there’s so many edge guys that are part of that, which drives up that number, which probably isn’t great,” Gutekunst said. “But yeah, we’d like to find a way to keep Quay around here long-term, whether that be an extension or something.”
Packers fans, however, are not sure why:
https://t.co/LopuIw8Cgp pic.twitter.com/yMh4EoDOFw
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) February 26, 2025
Man can we get rid of this guy lol
— A (@Soulpunx93) February 26, 2025
Wrong answer https://t.co/i4UykKmj0e
— Austin Krueger (@AustinKrueger_) February 26, 2025
Or. Or. We could not do that
— Rocket Launcherz N’ Hawt Sawse (@GreenBayDrizzy) February 25, 2025
— L & O Show (@FoggyDew1310) February 26, 2025
While Walker is not very popular among Packers fans, he sure is beloved by the organization and his teammates. It looks like he will be sticking around for a few more seasons.
More Green Bay Packers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Packers Pegged to Add a “Versatile Technician” in ESPN’s Latest Mock NFL Draft
- Packers Add Their Next Pass Rusher in Another CBS Mock Draft
- Packers Should Avoid Signing 49ers Free Agent; “Someone Is Going to Pay”
- Packers Should Avoid Cleveland Browns Free Agent Who “Struggled with Drops”
- “That’s a No;” Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Signals End of Starter’s Time in Green Bay
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