The Packers previously activated Quay Walker’s fifth-year option, but it appears that the linebacker’s stay in Green Bay will extend well beyond the 2026 season.
During a recent appearance on CheeseHeadTV, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst disclosed that the organization is in the process of negotiating a long-term contract with Walker and is optimistic about his future potential.
“My expectations are really, really high [for Walker],” Gutekunst said in an interview with Aaron Nagler and Corey Behnke. “The only reason we didn’t do the fifth-year option was that a lot of outside linebackers are factored into that figure, so it didn’t make much sense.
We’re going down that path with him [to negotiate an extension], to see if we can make that happen as well.”
Packers are optimistic about Quay Walker’s future.
Walker, 25, has 341 total tackles since being selected by the Packers as the 22nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft from Georgia.
According to Pro Football Focus, Walker’s 14 quarterback pressures ranked 16th in the NFL, emphasizing a significant aspect of the 6-foot-4, 241-pound linebacker’s skill set.
Walker’s cap number is set to be $14.75 million this season, but the Packers can reduce it by reaching an agreement on a long-term contract deal.
Walker sustained an ankle injury late last season, but he still recorded 102 tackles and two sacks in 13 games. Gutekunst believes Wakler’s finest football lies ahead of him.
“We’ve been bullish on Quay since he got here,” Gutekunst remarked. “He has played a lot of really, really good football for us, and we believe his best football is still ahead of him.” Just a consummate professional who does everything correctly. Has the toughness and focus that our defense need.”
Leave a Reply