The NFL finally decided to give proper credit to offensive linemen. The big guys have been historically devalued, and it’s virtually impossible for them to win an MVP or offensive player of the year award. So, the league created a “Protector of the Year Award,” to honor the best offensive lineman of the season.
“This award means everything to the big guys up front,” said Andrew Whitworth, a former NFL tackle and 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. “The Protector of the Year isn’t just about stats–it’s about the mindset, grit, and leadership it takes to be the foundation of a football team. It’s time the men who lead, protect, and never ask for credit are recognized as the backbone of this game.”
While the idea is great, it might be enough to make the Green Bay Packers run and try to extend right tackle Zach Tom as soon as possible.
Spotrac has a market value projection for Tom based on his production, age, and deals of his counterparts. It came up with a four-year, $86.71 million extension—a yearly average of $21.7 million. It might be much more than that fairly quickly.
Tom is 26, so he’s entering the prime of his career. Obviously, it’s hard to compete with guys like Penei Sewell, who’s 24 and has been a First-Team All-Pro in each of the past two years, but it’s not absurd to think that a successful Packers season could place Tom in a position to fight for the award in 2025.
And if he wins or comes close to it, his market value will only increase. Right now, Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Tristan Wirfs is the highest-paid tackle in football, with a $28.125 million yearly average, right ahead of Penei Sewell at $28 million. Curiously, both are right tackles. The highest-paid left tackle is San Francisco 49ers’ Trent Williams at $27.553 million. On the current market, age and projected future performance is clearly more valuable than the side where the tackle plays.
Tough decisions
The Packers have some difficult choices to make along the offensive line. Right now, the only high-priced linemen on the roster are left guard Aaron Banks, recently signed in free agency, and center Elgton Jenkins, who wants a contract adjustment even with two years left on his deal.
Moreover, the other three projected starters are entering the final year of their contracts. Zach Tom is the only one you can safely assume will get an extension, but left tackle Rasheed Walker and right guard Sean Rhyan are also slated to hit free agency.
That’s why it’s important to lock Zach Tom up as soon as possible, while also expecting that recent high draft picks Jordan Morgan and Anthony Belton develop to replace the missing pieces.