The Green Bay Packers, to put it plainly, will not be able to bring back many of their own free agents this year. Some will not be retained for salary cap purposes, but others will no longer have places on the roster due to the depth at their positions. That being said, there will be a few retained on contracts that will still allow Green Bay to make other free agent moves.
Quay Walker, who was one of the Packers’ first round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, is one of their upcoming free agents. Green Bay previously declined his fifth-year option, but said they wanted to sign him to a long-term contract. However, that has not happened. At least, not yet.
Green Bay Packers predicted to re-sign Quay Walker in 2026
Nov 2, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Walker is coming off of a season which saw him play in just 14 games, but also set a career-high with 128 tackles. He also had 2.5 sacks, tying his career-high, and had a 3.8% missed tackle rate, the lowest mark of his career.
And Greg Auman of Fox Sports seems to think that the Packers are likely to bring their former first round pick back despite their inability to ink him to an extension earlier:
“Walker, 25, does a bit of everything for Green Bay — four straight 100-tackle seasons, including 128 this past year, and he’s active in the opposing backfield with nine career sacks and 29 tackles for loss. The Packers declined his fifth-year option, opting not to pay him $14.7 million in 2026, and he’ll likely get about $10 million a year. Pro Football Focus doesn’t think much of him, ranking him 76th among NFL linebackers, with his pass coverage skills bringing him down.”
As one can see, Auman believes the Packers will be able to sign Walker for $10 million a year, which will be less than he would have earned had they picked up his fifth-year option.
Indeed, it is a move that makes sense for Green Bay, who have a stud in Edgerrin Cooper and a serviceable third linebacker in Isaiah McDuffie, but otherwise have unproven talent at the position.
Ty’Rob Hopper, of course, is a former top 100 draft pick that is going to be entering his third NFL season, but he has not seen much playing time.
Re-signing Walker would give the Packers some continuity at the linebacker position, and it will be interesting to see what new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon can draw up for the speedy former Georgia Bulldog.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at@theotherRobin19 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!