Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker is expected to become a wealthy young man next month. According to NFL insider Jason La Canfora, at least one NFL team believes Walker is going to command at least $25 million per year in free agency, and both the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots are expected to be among the teams interested in signing him to a lucrative contract.
Walker, a seventh-round pick of the Packers in the 2022 NFL draft, played in all 52 games and made 48 starts at left tackle over the last three seasons. Now, with his rookie contract expiring in March, Walker is set up to be one of the most coveted soon-to-be free agents in a mostly shallow pool of available veteran players.
The Packers likely lack the salary cap space to make Walker a competitive offer, especially if his price reaches $25 million per year, and 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan — after two seasons of playing positions across the offensive line — is positioned to take over at left tackle in 2026.
Mark Oldacres of Packers Wire made the case why it’s time for Green Bay to move on from Walker.
Signing a deal worth $25 million per year or more would comfortably place Walker in the top five among left tackles in average per year. The top of the market is currently Rashan Slater at $28.5 million per year, but six left tackles currently make $25 million or more per year.
So, what does Walker’s expensive price tag mean for the Packers?
At a contract value of $25 million per season, Walker’s departure would almost certainly net the Packers a third-round compensatory draft pick in the 2027 NFL draft. Last offseason, former Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Dan Moore signed a deal worth $21 million per season in Tennessee, and the Steelers are projected to receive a third-round comp pick in return. Moore’s deal likely set the floor of Walker’s market, and $25 million seems reasonable given all the available cap space around the league and Walker’s experience at a premium position.
Walker is young (still only 26), and teams are desperate for capable pass-blocking at left tackle. While inconsistent and coming off a disappointing 2025 season given his previous play and contract situation, Walker has proven capable as a blocker in the passing game on the blindside of the offensive line — giving him immense value and negotiating leverage entering free agency.
This is all music to the Packers’ ears. They will turn a seventh-round investment into a third-round compensatory pick next year. And Walker’s departure (possibly to a contender in the AFC?) will open the door to a first-round pick playing a premium position — potentially providing an upgrade in performance at left tackle as soon as 2026.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Report says Packers LT Rasheed Walker could get $25M per year in free agency
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
