The Green Bay Packers face tough free agency decisions. Discover potential landing spots for Quay Walker, Malik Willis, and Romeo Doubs.
In a world in which the salary cap wasn't a thing, the Green Bay Packers would certainly want to keep star linebacker Quay Walker, backup quarterback Malik Willis, and wide receiver Romeo Doubs.
All three players have been vital to the Packers' success over the past few seasons, but the issue for Green Bay is that all three will be unrestricted free agents at the start of the new league year (March 11).
What that means is that, barring a salary cap miracle from executive vice president and director of football operations Russ Ball, Willis and Doubs will be playing football somewhere else next season. It's going to hurt, but Walker is likely on the way out as well.
Willis is an interesting case because even though he is a backup quarterback, he's proven in stints over the past two seasons that he has the talent and mindset to be a starter in this league. The Packers took a flier on him when it looked like he was a busted third-round pick. They sent the Tennessee Titans a seventh-round draft pick for him, and they developed him into a player who is going to get paid a ton of money.
Interestingly, Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports believes that Willis will follow former Green Bay defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, now head coach of the Miami Dolphins, down to South Beach.
"This has already become a popular landing spot ever since the Dolphins hired former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. Willis would be a good mid-range option: a quarterback with the potential to be more than a bridge guy, but not one who would require a big contract," Pereles wrote.
Spotrac believes Willis can make about $10 million a year on his next contract.
When it comes to Doubs, a team looking for a solid WR2 and a great WR3 in free agency could do a lot worse. He's not a superstar, but he's good enough to take over at least one game a season. He also has great hands, runs good routes, and he's reliable in the red zone.
Pereles sees him winding up with the New Orleans Saints.
"The Saints have already determined that they'll move forward into 2026 with Tyler Shough as their quarterback, and in doing so, they should upgrade his surroundings. Doubs would provide a strong No. 2 option opposite Chris Olave," Pereles wrote.
Spotrac believes Doubs can earn a four-year, $48 million contract on the open market.
Oct 19, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.Lastly, there's Walker, who has become a star linebacker for the Packers and one of the leaders on the defense. If Ball can find a way to cut salary while bringing back Walker on a team-friendly deal, the Packers absolutely need to try to work that out.
Notably, cutting Rashan Gary and Elgton Jenkins would save around $30 million.
Still, it's more likely than not that Walker chases and gets a big contract in free agency, and Pereles believes he'll get that contract from the Washington Commanders.
"Washington desperately needs to add youth, speed and athleticism across the defense, especially, and the 25-year-old Walker fits the bill for what should be an overhauled unit," he wrote.
According to Spotrac, Walker could get a three-year, $29 million contract on the open market.
Can the Packers pony up for that? They should. Will they? Probably not.
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