The Green Bay Packers have established a reputation as one of the NFL’s most reliable offensive lines. Each and every year, they consistently field one of the league’s top groups. Furthermore, they have primarily used their own domestic talent—linemen they have chosen late in multiple NFL Drafts—to do this.
Even the great David Bakhtiari, who was chosen in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, was a Day Two selection. Rasheed Walker, a seventh-round pick in 2022, and Zach Tom, a right tackle who was also selected in the fourth round, currently make up Green Bay’s offensive line.
Both players’ rookie contracts expire in 2025, and while it is inevitable that Tom will sign a second contract, the Packers must make a costly choice with Walker.
The Packers let center Josh Myers leave in free agency earlier this offseason and signed offensive guard Aaron Banks to a four-year, $77 million deal; Myers has since joined the New York Jets. The offensive line has somewhat changed as a result of these choices.
Elgton Jenkins, a two-time Pro Bowl left guard, will go to center, while Banks will take over his previous role. Jordan Morgan, a 2024 first-round prospect, might provide a threat to Sean Rhyan, who performed admirably at right guard the previous season and is expected to remain there.
However, when Green Bay attempts to decide Walker’s future, Morgan makes it more difficult. The Packers don’t select offensive linemen in the first round because of their past. Since the Arizona product spent his entire collegiate career playing left tackle, Brian Gutekunst has stated time and time again that he sees Morgan as a tackle.
Nevertheless, Morgan’s shoulder issue kept him out of all but six games during his rookie campaign.
Green Bay must now decide on Walker as the 2025 NFL season approaches. Will he and Tom be extended, or will this be his final season in the Green and Gold?
Although the solution is uncertain, there are a number of crucial aspects to take into account. First, Walker has performed admirably at left tackle, initially taking Bakhtiari’s place after he suffered what is probably a career-ending knee injury.
Second, though, if Green Bay permits him to do so, his market value is $20.5 million annually. As previously stated, the Packers will undoubtedly extend Zach Tom, who is expected to have multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections in his future. They are currently paying Banks nearly $20 million annually and Jenkins $17 million annually. The offensive line is one of the most crucial units in football and is worth investing in. However, will the Packers choose to pay Walker $20 million annually or allow him to leave in free agency and play Morgan (or someone else) at left tackle? The 2025 season will tell us.
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