The Green Bay Packers made a surprising decision by declining the fifth-year option on the contract of linebacker Quay Walker, one of their two first-round picks from the 2022 NFL Draft. Announced before the May 1, 2025 deadline, this move has left fans and analysts questioning the team’s long-term strategy for a player once expected to be a cornerstone of their defense. Below are the key reasons explaining why the Packers made this bold choice, based on insights from experts and the team’s financial situation.
1. Fifth-Year Option Value Not Commensurate with Walker’s Performance
The fifth-year option for Quay Walker would have cost the Packers approximately $14.7 million for the 2026 season, a figure determined by the NFL’s formula for first-round picks, which does not differentiate between off-ball linebackers and pass-rushing linebackers. According to ESPN, only six off-ball linebackers in the league currently earn an average annual salary higher than this amount. While Walker has proven to be a reliable player, recording over 100 tackles in each of his first three seasons, his rankings in key metrics do not justify this price tag. Specifically, in 2024, he ranked 44th in stops, 16th in pressures, and 70th in PFF grade among 91 eligible linebackers. Although a consistent starter, Walker has not yet reached top-10 status at his position, prompting the Packers to reconsider the financial viability of the option.
2. Packers’ Tight Financial Situation
Another critical factor is the Packers’ salary cap situation for 2026. According to OverTheCap.com, the Packers currently have only about $6.5 million in cap space projected for 2026, placing them among the nine teams with the worst financial outlook in the league. With key players like Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker, Christian Watson, and Romeo Doubs set to become unrestricted free agents next year, the Packers need to maintain financial flexibility to extend contracts with these young talents. Declining Walker’s fifth-year option frees up significant cap space, allowing the team to prioritize other positions or negotiate a more cost-effective long-term deal.
3. Plans for a Long-Term Extension with Walker
Despite declining the fifth-year option, the Packers have expressed their desire to keep Quay Walker for the long haul. General Manager Brian Gutekunst has repeatedly emphasized his appreciation for Walker’s progress, particularly in the latter part of the 2024 season before he suffered an ankle injury in the game against the Seattle Seahawks. Gutekunst stated, “Quay continues to make strides, is a great leader, and has a significant impact on the team. We want to keep him here for more than just a couple of years.” Instead of committing to a $14.7 million salary for one year, the Packers may be aiming to negotiate an extension before the 2025 season or allow Walker to play out the final year of his rookie contract (2025) and revisit talks in early 2026. This approach enables the team to secure a salary more aligned with the off-ball linebacker market, avoiding the constraints of the fifth-year option formula.
4. Linebacker Market and Internal Competition
The market for off-ball linebackers is trending upward, with recent contracts like Jamien Sherwood’s ($15 million/year with the New York Jets) reflecting rising costs. However, the Packers believe that paying nearly $15 million for Walker in 2026 may not be the most prudent choice, especially with other young talents emerging at the position. Edgerrin Cooper, a standout rookie in the 2024 season, has shown promise, adding depth and competition to the linebacker corps. This internal development gives the Packers confidence in their ability to maintain a strong defense without committing to an expensive fifth-year option for Walker.