The Green Bay Packers have been focused on strengthening their offensive line depth this offseason. However, they might make a major move by trading a key player to acquire additional draft capital and shake up their starting tackle positions.
Dan Saia of Zone Coverage has speculated that the Packers could explore trading Rasheed Walker, their current starting offensive tackle and a former seventh-round pick from Penn State, in the coming weeks. The reasoning behind this potential move is the looming contract extensions for both Walker and Zack Tom. Given Tom’s consistency and dominance along the offensive line, Green Bay may choose to invest in him long-term while considering parting ways with Walker.
Saia highlights Tom’s impressive performance, noting that he has been one of the best offensive linemen for the Packers. In 2024, Tom received an outstanding 87.6 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), ranking as the fourth-best tackle in the league. He was also named PFF’s first-team All-Pro at right tackle, surpassing elite players like Lane Johnson and Penei Sewell. His performance solidifies him as a crucial part of Green Bay’s future, making his contract extension a priority for the team.
While Tom’s consistency makes him the preferred choice, trading Walker could be a strategic move given the high demand for quality offensive tackles across the NFL. Despite being less consistent than Tom, Walker still had a solid 2023 season, allowing only four sacks and three quarterback hits. This level of production makes him an attractive option for teams in need of a reliable tackle, especially those looking to compete immediately and hesitant to rely on an unproven rookie from the upcoming draft class.
With offensive tackles being a premium position in the league, the Packers could receive significant trade compensation for Walker. If Green Bay is confident in their depth or plans to address the position through the draft or free agency, moving Walker could be a logical decision. This trade scenario, if executed, could not only secure additional draft picks for the Packers but also reshape their offensive line for the future.
Leave a Reply