In 2022, the Packers double-dipped in terms of adding former Georgia defenders during the first round of the draft. The team’s first selection in that effort – linebacker Quay Walker – appears to have work to do to ensure his tenure with the organization continues beyond 2025. 
Walker stepped into a starting role right away, and he racked up 121 tackles and 1.5 sacks as a rookie. While his run defense was poorly rated by PFF, his work in coverage drew a strong evaluation. That situation reversed last year, as Walker’s completion percentage and passer rating allowed took a step back compared to the 2022 season. In the early stages of his third campaign with the Packers, Walker faces the prospect of having his fifth-year option declined next spring.
Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette writes it is currently “pretty iffy” with respect to the Packers exercising the option. Walker would currently be in line for $16.12MM in compensation for 2026 if the option were to be picked up, per Over the Cap. That figure would jump to $22.64MM in the event Walker were to earn a Pro Bowl nod this season, something which would take place through a step forward in his development. The 24-year-old had a productive start to the campaign with 11 tackles in Week 1.
Green Bay has continued to invest considerable draft capital at the linebacker spot not long the Walker addition. Edgerrin Cooper (regarded by many as the position’s top prospect in 2024) was selected in the second round, and Ty’Ron Hopper was taken with one of the team’s two third-round picks. Both were primarily used on special teams during their NFL debuts, but Cooper in particular has the potential to become an impact defender at the second level. For at least the coming season, though, much will still be expected of Walker.
Recent history around the league has seen linebackers devalued regarding fifth-year option decisions. 2020 draftees Isaiah Simmons, Kenneth Murray, Jordyn Brooks and Patrick Queen all had their options declined. Likewise, this past spring saw Zaven Collins and Jamin Davis (both of whom were drafted as off-ball linebackers who have since seen time as edge rushers) had their options turned down, although Collins did receive a Cardinals extension last month. The Packers elected not to exercise cornerback Eric Stokes‘ 2025 option, a move which came as no surprise.
A pair of decisions on that front will be made after the 2024 season. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt saw a major uptick in playing time last year, and he posted 5.5 sacks. A similar campaign would make him a logical candidate to be kept through at least the 2026 campaign given the surging value of the DT market. Whether or not the same approach will be taken with Walker will be an interesting storyline to follow as the season progresses.
Zero chance he’s back in GB. His instincts are well below an average starter in that league.
2025 Offseason decisions about 2026 salary on the eve of week 2 in 2024
Shut up
Another missed Gute draft pick…..who would have guessed? But hey you got that Love pick right….so 1 outta 10 ain’t bad….
The Packers are the youngest team in the league and they are only going to get better with experience. They no longer have to pander to a self absorbed diva QB who only cares about creating drama. It’s a win/win for fans in Green Bay who for some reason, never appreciate their GM.
Gutey played a huge part in creating the drama
Picking a good QB is an important part of GMing, one of or perhaps the most important, but all Green Bay has right now is a season of good QB play in return for two missed close chances to go to or win a championship. Diva QB or not, I’d say that the GM’s job is try to win in those windows when they present themselves.
I wouldn’t call him a missed draft pick. He started right away as a rookie. It’s just that 16 million is a lot for an inside LB. My guess is that he improves some more this year and makes this a difficult decision for the Packers.
Walker was noticeably all over the field in week 1. I have a feeling this is going to be a breakout season for him
Yeah, he seems to have played pretty well early. The question in this scenario, I suppose, is whether to try for a trade, or see if his free agency produces a supplemental pick?
Doesn’t surprise me. The guys a hot head who hurts his team more than he helps by committing dumb penalties. The more likely scenario is they will trade him for a pick