Packers starter cracks top 10 free agent list and that perception is exactly what the team hoped to see at this stage
Packers are not expected to keep Rasheed Walker.
The Green Bay Packers have a long-term vision at left tackle, and that probably is allowing former first-round pick Jordan Morgan to take over in 2026. He finally made the transition from guard to tackle during the season and had strong snaps on both sides down the stretch.
Now, a big offseason question is what will happen to starter Rasheed Walker. The former seventh-round pick is slated to hit free agency, and there haven’t been many signs of a potential return.
Earlier this week, ESPN analyst Matt Bowen included Walker on his top 10 for pending free agents — eighth total, the best offensive lineman.
“Walker’s pass block win rate of 93.8% ranked 11th among 68 qualifying offensive tackles,” Bowen wrote. “His technique could still improve and he lacks a strong anchor, but he has the footwork and mobility to match the speed of edge rushers. At a premium position, Walker will see heavy interest in free agency.”
That’s exactly what the Packers wanted to hear.
Why this perception matters for the future of the Packers
Last year, tackle Dan Moore Jr. signed with the Tennessee Titans for $21 million on yearly average and is set to generate a third-round compensatory draft pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Even if the plan is not to keep Walker around in 2026 and beyond, it’s excellent for the Packers if the offensive lineman can sign a big deal in free agency. With that, Green Bay would be in position to receive a better compensatory pick in 2027.
To get a third-rounder, the deal would have to surpass $20 million, maybe $21 million, on yearly average. The San Francisco 49ers will get a fourth-rounder for losing guard Aaron Banks to the Packers for $19.25 million a year.
Ultimately, Rasheed Walker is more likely to generate a fourth-rounder for the Packers — but the perception that he’s a great option on the market at such a valuable position, and one that hardly has any talent in the free agent pool, could help Green Bay to gain more draft capital down the road.
Walker’s performance
A former seventh-round pick, Rasheed Walker has mostly been a decent if unspectacular left tackle since replacing former All-Pro David Bakhtiari. He played 3,161 snaps at left tackle over the past three years.
However, Walker did have some problems late in the season for the Packers. In 2025, he allowed 40 pressures (a career high for him), including a season-high six against the Chicago Bears in the playoffs. Better as a pass protector, Walker is a limited run-blocker as well — this past season, he had a 53.7 PFF run block grade.
A starting-caliber left tackle certainly has value in the market, despite Walker’s recent off-field issue. Since the Packers have different plans, hoping for a big contract in free agency is the best option to get more capital and follow their offensive line expected path.
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