Timing is everything for linebackers, and Quay Walker's situation in Green Bay is a perfect example of how crucial it can be. In 2025, Walker delivered the best performance of his career, showcasing his growth on the field.
He recorded a career-high 128 tackles, missed only 6.7% of his tackle attempts, and made significant impacts with seven quarterback hits, along with strong numbers in tackles for loss and passes defensed. All this, despite missing three games due to injury and strategic rest before the playoffs.
Now, Walker is set to enter unrestricted free agency, a scenario that spells opportunity for him but poses a dilemma for the Packers. As a first-round pick from 2022, Walker's contract included a fifth-year team option, which the Packers had to decide on after the 2024 season.
At that time, the option would have locked him in for a guaranteed $14.7 million salary in 2026. Given his performance up to that point, the Packers opted against it, as he hadn't yet proven he was worth such a hefty paycheck.
Fast forward to today, and the linebacker market has shifted, with Walker's stock rising after his standout season. Currently, there are 16 linebackers with double-digit cap hits for 2026, and Walker's potential $14.7 million would have placed him eighth among them.
If Walker had shown this level of play in 2024, picking up the option would have been a straightforward decision. But as it stands, the Packers face a tough choice: invest in a more expensive contract for a player who seems to be hitting his stride or risk losing him to free agency.
Timing, it seems, can be a double-edged sword for linebackers, too.