The Green Bay Packers have long been one of the NFL’s most forward-thinking franchises. Their success isn’t just about who’s on the field today - it’s about who’ll be ready to step up tomorrow. That long-range mindset has helped them remain competitive year after year, even as core players come and go.
We’ve seen that approach play out with quarterback Jordan Love, who was drafted well before Aaron Rodgers’ departure. Same story with Rashan Gary, who was already waiting in the wings when Za’Darius Smith moved on in 2022. Now, the Packers may be preparing to turn the page once again - this time at linebacker.
Quay Walker, a former first-round pick, is set to hit free agency in 2026. And while it’s not a lock that Green Bay will move on, there’s a clear succession plan already on the roster: Ty’Ron Hopper.
Hopper’s been brought along slowly, which is pretty standard in Green Bay’s developmental system. He saw just 18 snaps as a rookie, then logged 133 in 2025 - with nearly half of those coming in a Week 18 game against the Vikings when the Packers rested most of their starters.
But even in limited action, Hopper flashed. He broke up a two-point conversion in Week 8 against the Steelers, and in the Wild Card round against the Bears, he came up with his first career interception - a big-time moment on a big-time stage.
That’s the kind of play that sticks in a coaching staff’s mind. And while Hopper isn’t a finished product, he’s entering Year 3 - often the season when things start to click for young defenders. The Packers used a Day 2 pick to bring him in, and the timeline is lining up for him to take on a bigger role.
Meanwhile, Walker’s situation is getting more complicated. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted the lowest grade among Packers linebackers in 2025 - not ideal for a player drafted in the first round.
Spotrac projects him to command a three-year, $29 million deal on the open market. That’s not outrageous by NFL standards, but for a team like Green Bay, which is projected to have just over $10 million in cap space, it’s a significant chunk of change.
And here’s the thing: If Hopper can deliver similar production on a rookie contract, it becomes tough to justify that kind of financial commitment to Walker. It’s not just about who the better player is in a vacuum - it’s about value. And right now, the cost-performance equation doesn’t tilt in Walker’s favor.
Walker’s coverage struggles are especially hard to ignore. In today’s NFL, where nickel is the new base and linebackers are asked to cover more than ever, being able to hold up in space is non-negotiable.
Walker allowed a 120.8 passer rating when targeted in 2025 and earned just a 44.9 coverage grade from PFF. For comparison, Isaiah McDuffie - not exactly a household name - allowed an 83.9 passer rating and posted a 63 coverage grade.
That’s a pretty stark contrast, and it underscores why Green Bay may be ready to pivot. Even if Hopper isn’t immediately asked to take on a full-time starting role, the Packers are clearly positioning themselves to move forward without Walker.
Letting Walker test free agency - potentially reuniting with former Packers defensive assistant Jeff Hafley in Miami - would free up cap space and clear the way for Hopper to step into a bigger role. Whether that’s at Mike or Will linebacker is something the coaching staff can sort out later. What matters most is the philosophy: develop your talent, trust your evaluations, and don’t overpay for production you believe you can replicate internally.
That’s how the Packers have stayed ahead of the curve - and it looks like they’re ready to do it again.