Green Bay Packers Lose Rasheed Walker to NFC Playoff Team

The Green Bay Packers are losing left tackle Rasheed Walker in free agency as he has signed a one-year deal worth about $10 million with the Carolina Panthers.

The Packers moved on from Walker, as they will likely start 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan at left tackle for the 2026 season. They had hoped that Walker being the top left tackle on the market would earn him a big contract.

If Walker had signed a major deal, it would've given Green Bay a better compensatory pick for the 2027 NFL Draft. However, this deal will likely give the Packers a sixth-round pick rather than the third-round pick they were anticipating.

This is disappointing for Green Bay's 2027 draft picks, but it doesn't affect their roster this season, as they were already moving on from Walker.

Walker had some solid seasons for the Packers. He was a seventh-round pick by Green Bay in the 2022 NFL Draft and developed into a serviceable left tackle.

The Packers will now start Morgan, who has the potential to be the franchise left tackle. 

Green Bay's offensive line will feature Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, and Zach Tom in 2026. They will also have Darian Kinnard as their swing tackle. 

This unit has the talent to be successful, but a lot will hinge on the development of Morgan and Belton.

It's pivotal for the Packers' offensive line to perform at a high level to protect quarterback Jordan Love. Love will be looking to build momentum after a career year in 2025, where he completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

Love was highly effective when he had time in the pocket and against the blitz in 2025, but that is all contingent on the offensive line performing.

Green Bay will also need the offensive line to be productive in creating holes for the run game. Josh Jacobs had a solid season for the Packers, rushing for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns. 

With Walker moving on, Green Bay will rely on its internal development to strengthen the line in 2026.

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