The Green Bay Packers kicked off training camp in perfect fashion, handing right tackle Zach Tom a massive four-year extension worth up to $92 million.
That's just the beginning. Tom was one of several key starters entering contract years, a list that includes wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, left tackle Rasheed Walker, right guard Sean Rhyan, and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt.
Another upcoming free agent? Quay Walker. And there's good reason to believe his extension is up next.
The Packers didn't pick up Walker's fifth-year option earlier this offseason, but general manager Brian Gutekunst shut down any uncertainty over the former first-rounder's future.
"My expectations are really, really high [for Walker]," Gutekunst told Cheesehead TV. "The only reason we didn't do the fifth-year option is a lot of the outside linebackers are calculated into that number, so it didn't make a lot of sense. We're going down that road with him [to negotiate an extension], as well to see if we can make that happen as well."
Gutekunst also made it clear they wanted to extend Tom's contract, and he made good on that promise. Walker is likely next.
Quay Walker could be the next Packers starter to land a new deal, and it may split opinion
Signing Tom to a long-term deal was universally loved by Packers fans, but bringing back Walker will undoubtedly split opinion.
He has never lived up to the lofty expectations that come with being selected 22nd overall. Walker hasn't shown enough consistency, and there were even calls for the Packers to bench him at one stage last season.
That never happened, and Walker repaid the team's faith in the second half of the season. In an impressive five-game stretch, the Georgia product made 38 tackles (including 26 solo), five tackles for loss, one sack, one QB hit, and one pass defense.
And the Packers never lost confidence in him.
"We've been bullish on Quay since he got here," Gutekunst said. "He's played a lot of really, really good football for us and we think his best football is still in front of him. Just a consummate pro, does everything the right way. Has a level of toughness and focus that our defense needs."
It's hard to find quality starters at any position. Walker has frustrating moments, but there's no denying his game-changing ability. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley found success using Walker as a blitzer, and we could see more of that in 2025.
We rarely saw a Walker-Edgerrin Cooper tandem due to injury. That could be a lot of fun.
Signing Walker to a multi-year deal won't please all Packers fans, but it's inevitable. Gutekunst has never wavered in his confidence in his former first-round pick.
After delivering the extension with Tom that fans desperately wanted, it sure feels like Walker is next.