What Should a Contract Extension with Packers LB Quay Walker Look Like?
By GilMartin
Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker will be entering the final year of his entry-level contract this season. The Packers already declined to pick up his fifth-year option. But Packers GM Brian Gutekunst told Cheesehead TV earlier this week that the team is working on an extension with the former first-round pick out of Georgia. But when should this deal be finalized and what should it look like?
Walker has been a starter from his first game as a Packer. He has led the team in tackles in each of his first three seasons with the team. He has good speed for a linebacker and wears the green dot on his helmet to communicate with the coaches prior to the snap of the ball and to call defensive signals.
The issue with Walker has been a lack of consistency. Yes, he made a lot of tackles, but he often didn’t read plays quickly and many of his tackles were made downfield after the opposition already gained several yards. He has also not made many big, game-changing plays in his first three seasons with the team.
Walker has developed into a solid starting off-ball linebacker. He has yet to make a Pro Bowl or to be considered a serious candidate to go there, but he’s a starting caliber player with the potential to still improve his game.
Gutekunst indicated the team wanted to sign Walker to an extension even though they chose not to sign him to a one-year deal on the fifth-year option.
“My expectations are really, really high [for Walker],” Gutekunst said in his interview with Aaron Nagler and Corey Behnke. “The only reason we didn't do the fifth-year option is a lot of the outside linebackers are calculated into that number, so it didn't make a lot of sense. We're going down that road with him [to negotiate an extension], as well to see if we can make that happen as well.”
The fifth-year option for Walker would have cost $14.75 million for a one-year guaranteed contract with no signing bonus. The Packers will probably look to lock him up longer term in the $8-10 million per year range.
Gutekunst still believes Walker can be even better in the future. “We've been bullish on Quay since he got here,” Gutekunst added. “He's played a lot of really, really good football for us and we think his best football is still in front of him. Just a consummate pro, does everything the right way. Has a level of toughness and focus that our defense needs.”
The Packers want to get a new deal done with Walker, but the first question is when is the best time to sign it? Walker’s play picked up late in the 2024 season. He had a few games in a row that saw him make more plays and anticipate better. The key question for the Packers to determine is whether this was a hot streak or the new normal for Walker.
The Packers could look to sign Walker to an extension before training camp starts or at least before the season starts. That would be preferable for Walker who doesn’t want to risk injury before signing a new deal. Or the Packers could take a wait-and-see approach to see how well Walker plays in 2025. That could cut both ways. If Walker plays well, the price to sign him likely goes up. If he plays poorly, obviously it will have the opposite impact on negotiations.
The next question is how many years do you want to offer Walker? He just turned 25 last month. A four-year deal properly structured should make sense at this stage in Walker’s career if the team is truly high on his potential. There could always be void years added to make the deal more cap friendly and to allow the team to restructure the deal down the road if need be.
One thing Gutekunst indicated was how excited he was to see Walker and second-year man, Edgerrin Cooper play together full time in 2025 and hopefully beyond. “Really having those two guys on the field at the same time, the athleticism and size that brings, the ability to rush the passer, the ability to cover. I think those two guys are going to work well off each other as we move forward,” Gutekunst said.
The negotiations with Walker will be interesting as will Walker’s performance in 2025. The time for him to take his game to the next level has come. If he doesn’t do it this year, he may never get there.
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Comments (34)
Grandfathered
June 21, 2025 at 10:00 am
Hard question unless you have inside info on Hopper and Oliver, and if Simmons is a fit. Without that knowledge I would lean for 2 year extension, max. I would think it would be at end of TC the choice to extend Walker could be made.
GregC
June 21, 2025 at 10:40 am
That's exactly the issue. How good are the younger guys? The Packers don't seem to be showing any confidence in Hopper, but who knows, maybe he's fine. And Oliver is intriguing. I would lean toward letting the season play out and seeing what happens before making a decision on Walker.
splitpea1
June 21, 2025 at 10:10 am
Wait and see if they're thinking four years. If Walker plays well and costs a little more, so be it. Better safe than sorry.
LambeauPlain
June 21, 2025 at 10:15 am
It was logical not to overpay Walker using the 5th year option because all as Gutey said, 3-4 edge rushers are also included in the salary calculations.
The NFL needs to change this formula to separate the OLB edge rushers from off ball LBs to average 5th year salaries.
They should get a deal done for him. But the Packers also have leverage with Hopper in the wings, Simmons (interesting player!) and Oliver added to the room. I saw Quay playing so much better in the 2nd half of last season in Hafley's Vision and Break pressure defense. While Barry misused, even ignored Walker's skill set, Hafley is capitalizing on it.
Vachio
June 21, 2025 at 10:32 am
Barry misused or ignored EVERY player's skill set. Could have given him an All-Madden roster and he still would have turned it into a horrible unit.
LLCHESTY
June 21, 2025 at 11:51 am
Is that why Walker was much better in coverage as a rookie than he was last year? You could even say much much better.
TKWorldWide
June 21, 2025 at 02:38 pm
I get it, but how was DeVondre Campbell able to make All Pro in his first year under Barry?
Leatherhead
June 21, 2025 at 04:10 pm
This is nonsense. Barry’ was our DC for three years and was replaced by Hafley. Then we added McKinney, Bullard, Williams and Cooper and we improved by about 20 points over 17 games. Hafley did a good job, but I bet Barry would have liked to have had those four guys.
Do you remember Barry’s first playoff game with us? The defense didn’t give up a single TD. Remember the second game, when he held the top seed to zero until we were up by 4 TDs? Or was it when he held the NFC champion to 24, on their own field.
Not horrible units, just a horrible take.
NickPerry
June 21, 2025 at 10:41 am
Walker had some good games last season, especially the last 3 or 4 games before he got hurt. He was FINALLY just reacting and playing. When he starts thinking too much out there is when he gets in trouble.
I don't know if Walker will ever live up to his draft status. But if he can be consistent and play like he did those last few games of 2024, he'll be a great compliment to Cooper. But Walker MUST stay consistent. I think wi9th Hafley as his DC, Walker will only continue to get better.
I don't know much about Hooper. I know many thought Gute drafted him at least a few rounds early. Time will tell, but he didn't do much of anything last year. Not even on ST.
Now Simmons is the one I'm excited about. I know he hasn't done much but I think under Hafley that could change. Hafley will find that thing, and put Simmons in that spot, where he hopefully shine a bit.
stockholder
June 21, 2025 at 10:46 am
They signed Devondre Campbell for 5yrs @ 50 mil.
While Walker isn't considered, a All Pro per Campbell . " yet."
I could see Walker getting that same payday.
If were serious about the super-bowl. He's got to be paid.
jannesbjornson
June 21, 2025 at 05:18 pm
Move on, get better.
stockholder
June 21, 2025 at 06:58 pm
No- They won't.
You forgot the misses at lb.
jannesbjornson
June 22, 2025 at 08:29 am
Get someone else to make the selections. Brinson , over Kain Medrano, rd. six? Cooper was another lucky chip that fell to them. He replaces Walker. See if McDuffie gets blown backwards as the inside guy, or teams will pass on first down with him working the middle. Hopper vs. your guy, Payton Wilson was the choice.
CoachJV
June 21, 2025 at 11:07 am
I think Walkers ability to cover slot and TE's is going to open Cooper up for a lot of stuff around the line and operating in the backfield. That also might work well in reverse... I'm excited to see what they can do at the same time. Throw the hard-hitting Bullard in the box, we might be able to make RB's and TE's PAY THE PRICE...
GPG
LLCHESTY
June 21, 2025 at 11:48 am
Quay has been getting steadily worse in coverage since his good rookie year. His completion % allowed has gone from 54% to 74% to 80%. After having DADOTs of 3 yards his 1st two years it went up to 5.2 yards last year so if anything the completions should have gone down. His PRA has been going up every year as well.
The problem with Walker is, besides not being very instinctive, what he's best at is also what Cooper is best at and that's blitzing. But while Cooper is good at everything else Walker isn't and Cooper is also a better blitzer than Walker. So it doesn't make sense to blitz Walker more and meanwhile he's much worse in coverage.
GregC
June 21, 2025 at 02:09 pm
I'm leery of PFF coverage grades for LBs as well as completion percentages and passer ratings against LBs. I wonder how much it is affected by the scheme funneling the offense into the middle of the field with the short passing game. When Hafley came to Green Bay, one thing I heard about his defense was that it was going to put a lot of stress on the linebackers in coverage, so I wasn't surprised to see Walker's coverage grades decline.
It's important to remember that the defense was very good overall. I think of that game against Miami, in which the Dolphins completed short passes in the middle of the field all night long, yet their offense never looked like much of a threat. I'm sure somebody's coverage grades looked bad in that game, but it was part of a good overall performance by the defense.
I suspect the coaches have a better handle on how each player is doing than PFF does. I know this is heresy, because PFF grades are considered to be the final say on players' performances. More and more articles that I read are simply reiterations of PFF grades. I don't think you can just look at everyone's PFF grades, find the worst one and say that guy sucks and needs to be replaced. (I'm not accusing you of that, but I see a lot of people do that kind of thing.) Defense is a team effort, and when the bullets are flying we can't always tell what everyone's assignments are.
One thing I like about Walker is that he is tall enough to clog up passing lanes. That counts for something. I would like to see him get some more time playing alongside Edgerrin Cooper and evaluate him based on that.
Oppy
June 21, 2025 at 04:17 pm
"I know this is heresy, because PFF grades are considered to be the final say on players' performances"
We're all in trouble if that's the case, since pro football focus themselves will tell you they are subjectively grading performance, they just try to standardize the way they choose to subjectively grade all player's performances.
They don't know the responsibilities and nuance of every player on every single down, so right off the top, they are forced to interpret what they are grading on.
PFF is a good tool to help get uniform context, but it's certainly not the end-all, be-all final word on player performance, that's for certain.
LLCHESTY
June 21, 2025 at 07:03 pm
One thing PFF is good at is picking out the players that are really good and really bad at something. Most in the middle is a bunch of chaff. He was bad in coverage.
Between completion percentage allowed, PRA, DADOT and YAC you can get a good feel for how a LB is in coverage. Last year Walker wasn't good.
bjkdad44
June 21, 2025 at 09:49 pm
🤞🏻🙏🏻🤞🏻
LLCHESTY
June 21, 2025 at 11:36 am
The best look would be for another team to pay him but that doesn't sound like it's in the cards. The 2nd best option is a deal that has an easy out after two years because you can't pay two off ball LBs big money. If you have a stud(Cooper) surround him with a good mix of young players and pay pass rushers and DBs.
Packers0808
June 21, 2025 at 11:53 am
Still question out on Love with his huge contract, what will Walker be in future? Big consideration for sure!
Alberta_Packer
June 21, 2025 at 11:54 am
I don't think that Walker is a high-priority extension candidate. When looking at his 2024 stats - he had a total of 747 snaps of which 401 were in coverage. So approximately 54% in coverage. His pff grade in coverage was 48.8 - which ranked him 138 / 189. Thus he appears to be a sub-average coverage LB. That being so - the Packers may wait and see if Hopper and even Simmons can emerge as a viable alternative to Walker during training camp, However I can also see the Packers extending Walker on a team-friendly contract.
LLCHESTY
June 21, 2025 at 12:51 pm
Like I said above he was really good in coverage as a rookie, not as good his 2nd year and really not good last year. My guess would be they simplified his assignments as a rookie and he struggles with recognition on more difficult assignments but there could be other issues. He also has hit the wrong hole numerous times vs the run as well, which is what makes me think it's a recognition/instinct issue.
Coverage in general is pretty fickle for LBs. Because of the reduced number of opportunities a couple extra TDs allowed can really skew the numbers. Also shorter passes are easier to complete so LBs completion percentage allowed is usually higher than it is for DBs. That's all to say that a passer rating allowed(PRA) around 80 is pretty good for a LB and it's rare to see LBs hit that number year over year. Walker's PRA his rookie was 63.6(very good), his 2nd was 93.2(not so good) and 96.2. It will be something to keep an eye on this year to see if a in the system results in better play.
Alberta_Packer
June 21, 2025 at 01:39 pm
The best may still be ahead for Walker. Especially if an improved D-Line and LB corps can accompany him. If so - then the Packers could eventually extend him. Maybe 10-12M per year?
bassrock
June 30, 2025 at 11:27 am
So everyone else has to be better so he doesn't have to be? Walker show's no instinct as a lb and is rarely in the play as it develops than show's up after someone else starts the tackle. Add that in to his lack of self control and you have what we have. Not much.
Leatherhead
June 30, 2025 at 06:50 pm
So how does the guy with no instincts lead the team in solo tackles? When he only played 13 games? How does he have the 2nd most tackles for loss?
Why did the coaches keep starting him? How did we finish 6th in scoring defense with him on the field?
Have you given any consideration to that.?
Oppy
June 21, 2025 at 01:36 pm
I'm not opposed to a team banking on what they see in a player's future, but you have to be careful.
Walker simply hasn't put anything more than brief flashes on the field.
He's the classic case of falling in love with athleticism and the potential it might translate to on the football field at this level.. proceed with caution.
My suggestion would be you look for an extension that gives him a base salary that is average for starting 4-3 middle linebackers across the league and give him bonuses for milestone performance along the way (All pro selections, milestones for Tackles, TFL, FF, etc.).
Because at this point in his career, he hasn't shown to be anything more than a run of the mill linebacker in terms of production. Pay him like an average starter, let him earn more if he performs at a higher level. Keep the contract reasonable so you can cut bait if a younger player surpasses him.
My personal opinion is that I don't see Walker turning the corner and taking it to the next level. As Chesty said.. he lacks the instincts required to be a dominant LB. He loses a step on any play he has to read. I would not personally break the bank for a LB who can't diagnose and break down like it's second nature.
dblbogey
June 21, 2025 at 01:41 pm
Ask me what we should do with Walker 10-12 games into the 2025 season.
Oppy
June 21, 2025 at 01:53 pm
This is not only the right answer, it's also how the Packers have done business with many of their higher profile players over the years. The player representation and the Packers are probably at least informally 'at the table' already, and will be continuing to talk through the season.
If it's a player the packers consider a foundational piece, they usually come to terms mid to late season, not allowing the player to ever sniff free agency, and there's a 'surprise' announcement of the extension.
If it's a player the Packers are only interested in keeping if the terms are favorable (in other words, a player they feel they could replace or upgrade if need be), they'll let the season play out, allow the player to test free agency to gauge the player's worth. If the collective league seems to value the player about where the Packers value that player, they'll make a counter offer based on what the other offers have been in an attempt to give the player a fair salary and stay in Green Bay. If another team is throwing bigger money than the Packers are willing to offer, they'll allow that player to go elsewhere if he should choose to do so.
Packers0808
June 21, 2025 at 05:16 pm
Why ask you, something to say whether by what you say Packers will decide then?
NFLfan
June 21, 2025 at 02:44 pm
Walker is an average line-backer with intermittent flashes. Gute was talking excitedly about his promise the other day which tells he will be paid well. He explained that not renewing W's contract had nothing to do with how favorably they view him. I'm not surprised anymore.
pantz_bURp
June 21, 2025 at 03:59 pm
"What Should a Contract Extension with Packers LB Quay Walker look like?"
The opposite of the extension they gave to Ol' Eye-Rollers to fuel the last dance of the latest last dance.
Peace and carrots,
Burp
Leatherhead
June 21, 2025 at 04:42 pm
Quay Walker is a good player. He is good enough to make every team in the league, and he’d start for most. He’s our 2nd best, at this point. McDuffie signed a two year deal for $4M/year, which puts him 20th on our roster . Cooper is cheap, and will remain cheap for three more years. We have can have Cooper, Walker, and McDuffie for two years, affordably. If Simmons or Hopper or anyone else is a player, so much the better..
Currently, Walker is 11th on the pay scale at $4.4M. Only about 13 LBs are making $10M or more, and that includes some good ones. Another group of 10 make between $7-$10 M, and that’s about Walkers neighborhood, IMO. ASSUMING he stays mostly healthy, we should sign him for something like 3 years at $7.5M. We can afford to pay him because we’re not paying Cooper. Then , when it’s time to pay Cooper, we replace Walker ..
NFLfan
June 22, 2025 at 09:50 am
Alexander has character issues-