The Green Bay Packers learned their lesson.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Packers have signed star right tackle Zach Tom to a contract extension. It comes just one day before the veterans report to training camp.
Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, it's a four-year extension worth $88 million, potentially rising to a maximum value of $92 million.
It's a stark contrast from a year ago, when the Packers stalled on Jordan Love's extension, which caused an unnecessary distraction while he sat out of a handful of practices. They eventually paid their franchise quarterback before the first padded practice.
They got it right this time. The Packers smartly prioritized re-signing Tom, who has emerged as one of the best tackles in football over the past two seasons. His elite Pro Football Focus grade of 85.8 ranked sixth among all tackles in 2024, and he also boasted the third-best run-blocking grade.
Add in Tom's ability to play all five positions along the offensive line, and this is an easy decision.
Packers kick off training camp by signing Zach Tom to a massive four-year extension
Love is the big winner. His superstar pass-protector isn't going anywhere, but the same might not be true for Rasheed Walker.
The Packers didn't hide their interest in extending Tom, but Walker is also out of contract at the end of the year. It won't be easy to afford another massive tackle contract on the books, especially with other key free agents, like Christian Watson, Quay Walker, and Devonte Wyatt, to come.
Green Bay has used two premium picks at the position in as many years, selecting Jordan Morgan in the first round last year and Anthony Belton in the second round this spring.
Morgan is already competing for the left tackle job, and it's only a matter of time before Belton finds a spot along the offensive line.
The Packers made their first move by extending Tom. It's the right call, and it ensures they avoid a repeat of their Jordan Love mistake from last summer.