Much has been made of Malik Willis, Elgton Jenkins and Romeo Doubs', among others, uncertain futures with the Green Bay Packers, and understandably so. But what about Quay Walker?
The Packers saw Walker take a meaningful step forward to the tune of a career-best campaign in 2025. He was ostensibly motivated after having his fifth-year option declined this past May, setting himself up to cash in as a free agent this offseason. Yet, it feels like the talented young linebacker is often overlooked when it comes to Green Bay's list of potential departures.
We're not entirely sure why Packers fans don't seem too concerned about losing Walker. However, he'll have several suitors as one of the top options at his position expected to officially hit the open market on March 11. It certainly wouldn't be shocking to see him don a different uniform next year.
Quay Walker may have already played his final game with the Packers
Despite being an immediate starter since the Packers called his name in the first round of the 2022 draft, Walker may be expendable. The club's unenviable financial situation and the quality depth behind him make it easier to move on. Nevertheless, he's emerged as an every-down contributor for their defense, which shouldn't be overlooked.
Green Bay currently has one of the NFL's highest payrolls and project to be roughly $4 million over the 2026 salary cap. Meanwhile, they have needs at other key areas, like wide receiver, cornerback and edge rusher. So, you can see why the Packers may be hesitant to commit to Walker long-term.,
Paying Walker also becomes tougher to justify after seeing 2024 second-round pick Edgerrin Cooper breakout alongside him. The latter proved capable of handling a full-time role, and veteran Isaiah McDuffie remains a reliable player too. With that in mind, Green Bay figures to prioritize addressing the aforementioned roster holes, or at least it should.
For what it's worth, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has gone on the record to say he'd like to retain Walker. Regardless, that was before Green Bay acquired superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons and signed him to a record-shattering contract extension. Needless to say, the circumstances have changed.
Across 14 games this season, excluding the playoffs, Walker set a personal high in tackles (128) and quarterback hits (seven). He also added five pass deflections and 2.5 sacks. Nevertheless, his efforts earned him a lackluster 48.5 overall Pro Football Focus grade, which ranked 74th out of 88 qualified linebackers.