The Green Bay Packers must make a big decision about starting left tackle Rasheed Walker shortly. The former Penn State star will be an unrestricted free agent in March unless he signs a new contract before then. GM Brian Gutekunst must restructure some deals and releases some veterans who are not living up to their cap hits to free up the cap space needed to sign Walker and any additional free agents. Today we examine why the Packers should or should not re-sign Rasheed Walker this offseason.
Why the Packers Should Re-Sign OT Rasheed Walker
Walker entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick in 2022. Before his final college season, many scouts viewed Walker as a potential early round pick, perhaps even a first rounder. But he struggled through that final year at Penn State and dropped all the way to the end of the draft.
After playing only one game in his rookie season, Walker became a starter in 2023. David Bakhtiari’s career ended due to injuries and Walker was thrust into starting duty. He held up well and quickly established himself as a quality starting left tackle.
Walker’s strength has been protecting the quarterback. He protected Jordan Love’s blindside quite well, especially in his first two years as a starter. His run blocking has graded out as average at best.
Walker proved durable during his time with the Packers. He has not missed a game since becoming a starter. This has value especially since left tackle is considered the most important position along the offensive line.
Walker just turned 26 earlier this month and is presently in the prime of his career.
The Packers also could lose Elgton Jenkins and Sean Rhyan this offseason, so keeping Walker could provide the team with more continuity at a position group that relies on chemistry.
Why the Packers Should Not Re-Sign OT Rasheed Walker
Walker struggled in 2025. This raises concerns because it was his contract year and he had a lot to play for. This pattern resembled his poor play in his final college season when his draft position was at stake.
His pass blocking wasn’t as good, and his run blocking continued to grade out well below average. Pro Football Focus graded him around just above the bottom third of qualified offensive tackles.
Walker also committed penalties far too often. False starts and lining up offsides were a bigger problem than holding penalties. But his infractions often came at the worst time and helped derail drives.
The Packers have added offensive tackles in the early rounds of the last two drafts. They spent a first-round pick on Jordan Morgan in 2024 and a second rounder on Anthony Belton in 2025. As of now, Morgan appears to be the frontrunner to take over at left tackle if Walker leaves via free agency.
As of now, neither Morgan nor Belton have proven they are ready to start at left tackle although both have shown flashes of the talent that made them high draft picks. Gutekunst and the Packers coaching staff have to determine if they have a ready replacement on the current roster or if they would need to look elsewhere if they don’t bring Walker back.
What Rasheed Walker Would Cost the Packers
Spotrac.com projects Walker’s market value at $20.3 million per season on a four-year deal. That salary will take a big chunk out of the Packers available cap money. Morgan and Belton combined will make roughly 10 percent of that number.
The offensive line appears to be in flux, but the team does have Belton and Morgan on rookie contracts. Starting right tackle Zach Tom just signed an extension last season but suffered an injury late last season that could keep him out at the start of training camp.
Walker grades out as a reliable, steady starting left tackle who does a good job of protecting the quarterback when he’s on his game. His disappointing performance last season reduced his chances of returning to Green Bay and likely cost him money on the open market.
However, because the NFL regards left tackle as a premium position, Walker will still get big bucks if he hits the free agent market. He will likely price himself out of Green Bay unless he’s willing to offer a home team discount to the Packers.
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