Walker’s journey from a seventh-round pick to a solid starter for the Packers is the kind of story that makes football so compelling. Initially, he spent his rookie year mostly on the sidelines, making just one appearance. But in 2023, Walker stepped up to fill the shoes of David Bakhtiari at left tackle, and he’s been a fixture there ever since, starting 48 games over three seasons.
His forte? Pass blocking.
Walker has consistently ranked near the top in ESPN’s pass block win rate, coming in at second, 14th, and 11th over the past three years. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has echoed these sentiments, though they’ve been a bit more critical of his run blocking, ranking him 44th, 41st, and 53rd among tackles.
Given the sheer number of players in his position, these rankings place him around average, but in the world of offensive tackles, average can be quite valuable. The Titans, for instance, shelled out $20 million annually for Dan Moore Jr., and Walker could see a similar payday in free agency.
At 25, Walker is set to explore free agency for the first time, having just completed a four-year rookie contract with Green Bay. His performance in 2025, where he played in 17 games and started 16, earned him a spot on our Top 100 2026 NFL Free Agents list.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have been trying to solidify their tackle positions with first-round picks in 2023 and 2024, but things haven’t gone as planned. Broderick Jones, their left tackle, has struggled with consistency and is now facing recovery from neck surgery.
This uncertainty might push Pittsburgh to pursue a stabilizing force like Walker. With ample cap space, the Steelers could make a compelling offer, and Walker’s Pennsylvania roots might make this an appealing move for him.
New England Patriots
Rumors are swirling about the Patriots’ interest in Walker, which makes sense given their need for a reliable left tackle. Eliot Wolf, the Patriots' de facto GM, shares a scouting philosophy with his father, former Packers GM Ron Wolf, making Walker a natural fit. Although they’ve publicly backed their 2025 first-rounder Will Campbell, the Patriots might see Walker as the key to strengthening their offensive line, potentially moving Campbell to guard.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are navigating financial challenges but have room for a significant acquisition after restructuring contracts. With Tytus Howard secured at right tackle, adding Walker could solidify the left side. Cleveland has been linked to Walker, and he could be the piece they need to bolster their offensive line.
San Francisco 49ers
Trent Williams has been a cornerstone for the 49ers, but ongoing contract negotiations could see him leave. If that happens, San Francisco might target Walker as a replacement. While he doesn’t match Williams’ prowess, especially in the run game, Walker would provide a reliable presence on the line, allowing the 49ers to maintain their offensive integrity without resorting to drastic measures.
In summary, Walker’s journey from a late-round pick to a sought-after free agent highlights the importance of solid performance and consistency in the NFL. As teams like the Steelers, Patriots, Browns, and 49ers look to strengthen their lines, Walker’s next move could be pivotal for both his career and the franchise lucky enough to sign him.