The Green Bay Packers have built an exciting young core around quarterback Jordan Love, but the time is coming when several star players are eligible to sign the first big-money contract extension of their careers.
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Left tackle Rasheed Walker, chosen by the Packers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has quickly developed into a steady force along the offensive line, and will likely be looking to sign a long-term contract extension in Green Bay following the 2025 campaign.
Why the Packers Could Prioritize Re-Signing Rasheed Walker
If the Packers plan on extending Walker before he’s eligible to hit unrestricted free agency after next season, Felipe Rice of Zone Coverage suggests Green Bay may need to make the former Penn State standout one of the highest-paid players at his position.
“For comparison, Cam Robinson earns $17.5 million annually,” Rice writes for Zone Coverage. “The 10th highest among left tackles. Robinson had the financial flexibility to negotiate harder after being franchise-tagged twice and earning significant money. On the other hand, Walker has yet to secure a big contract and may be more inclined to accept an extension quickly to ensure his financial future.
“Walker has been a solid left tackle for the Packers. He ranks 13th in pass-blocking grade among qualified tackles, tied for 54th in sacks allowed, and 22nd in pressures. However, he ranks 119th in run blocking among qualified tackles. It’s not out of the realm of possibility for Walker to ask for a top-10 left tackle contract. The modern NFL is a passing league, and he has been productive as a pass protection. However, due to his lack of leverage, it’s realistic to expect him to fall just short of that mark. Cam Robinson opens the top-10 list at $17.5 million APY, and Walker could end up in the $15.5 to $17 million APY range.”
Given Walker’s consistency in both pass protection and as a road grader in the running game, the Packers may need to pay a premium to keep him in Green Bay.
However, given that the salary cap is expected to rise, and the Packers could have upwards of $45 million in cap space in 2025, there should be plenty of spending flexibility of general manager Brian Gutekunst views Walker as a priority to get a deal done.
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