Packers Claim Defensive End From NFC North Rival

The Green Bay Packers have claimed defensive end Arden Walker on waivers from the Minnesota Vikings.

Walker went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Green Bay will now add the rookie to their depth at edge rusher.

He played five seasons in college, spending his first two years at Missouri, appearing in 15 games and finishing with 11 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. Walker got more time on the field during his seasons at Colorado.

In the 2023 season, Walker played in 12 games, recording 12 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery. He had a breakout campaign in 2024, finishing with 33 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. 

Walker followed it up with another solid year in 2025 for Colorado, recording 46 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a pass deflection.

He now joins a Packers roster that will have a new defensive system in 2026, with Jonathan Gannon replacing Jeff Hafley as the defensive coordinator. Gannon has led some impressive defenses over the years, including the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles, who reached the Super Bowl.

Gannon's defenses have shown the ability to be near the top of the league in sacks, but that will be a challenge for Green Bay.

While the 23-year-old Walker could be a solid depth pass rusher for the Packers, they will need a ton of help off the edge early in the season with superstar Micah Parsons still recovering from a torn ACL.

Parsons is the leader of Green Bay's pass rush and defense, as he had 41 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass deflection.

Replacing him on the field will be difficult for the Packers early in the 2026 season, which is why they will need a pass-rush-by-committee approach. If Walker can impress for Green Bay in the rest of training camp and the preseason games, the rookie could be a rotational pass rusher on the roster.