The next extension

[AmishMafia]

We extended Tom, Whelan, and Watson so far. Who is next?

Rasheed Walker is my guess. I would not have said that before the season, but he seems to have taken a step. There is a rumor that the Packers have begun negotiations. Maybe they are just trying to lowball him, fill up his bank account t now before it cost 2x that when he reaches FA. This messes up the draft pick progression I envisioned was the plan.

2 weeks ago I would have suspected Quay Walker or Malik Willis. Or maybe Doubs or Heath.

 

[Pkrjones]

Walker has done his job, admirably, as a 2022 7th round pick. Started 15 games his "sophomore" season, 17 his 3td year, & held off competition this year. Averaging less than 1 penalty every 2 games at LT.
While not a top-10 LT (PFF '25 Preseason Tackle rankings place him at #31) he's been a solid blind-side protector for GB. There are currently 88 LT's making more than Walker, who's been averaging $935k/yr - an absolute steal! A $20mil/yr deal would "only" place him tied for 13 on the top-paid LT's.
To keep a solid OL in front of Love I could see a 4yr/$85mil extension for Walker, making him #10 on the top-paid LT list & only slightly less than Tom.

 

[El Guapo]

I would absolutely try to get Walker to sign a team-friendly deal. That's what I expect a good GM to do. I also expect that a good GM and his cap person will recognize when the ask and the offer are too far apart. We could put Morgan there in 2026 if the extension with Walker doesn't pencil.

 

[tynimiller]

It has been publicized by numerous sources Quay is the next.

I don't believe Walker is possible to get under the books of an actual true extension. I think the ONLY way you keep him is if you can somehow squeeze a LT franchise tag (which IMO would NOT be smart) for one year....because Walker folks is looking at a MASSIVE payday. He's played like a top 15 LT in the league without any hesitation, and just the sheer fact his time is up for a deal means he's gonna likely get minimum $25M/Year type deal IMO..just as we have seen Rashawn Slater, Christian Darrisaw, Bernhard Raimann or Garett Bolles type contracts of late with the younger wave of tackles signing.

Add in the fact we have Morgan and Belton in the waiting and I don't think it would even possibly be wise to spend the money on Walker unless he's seriously willing to truly give us a team friendly structure of a deal.

NOW one saving grace to this discussion could be if the plan is already known that we will be cutting up Jenkins' contract - that frees up $20M on the cap next year....

So a world does exist where potentially GB gets rid of a "fan favorite" and commit to the edges for Love and work on only having to replace Jenkins...BUT the odd thing there then which folks would be right to criticize Gute is we have two high draft picks then in Morgan and Belton and only one of them can be the RG and neither can replace Jenkins at center....

The future of OL is the cog in this window push we have that has me the most curious.

 

[gopkrs]

For me, Jenkins is no more a favorite than Walker. That said, I don't know that we can afford him. Certainly not imho the franchise tag. It doesn't matter to me that we have two high picks. Right now, I think that Belton is going to be very good. I'm not so sure about Morgan. But he was worth a high pick for us to have really good depth even if he isn't a great starter imo. And I sure don't want to go back to the days of drafting OL late because "we are so good at developing." Walker was good because he was good for instance. And Tom too. So if he has to go; then I would not be upset making OL another high pick so we can continue to have good depth. It's that important. 3 and outs can be killers when you stack them together.

 

[mradtke66]

the odd thing there then which folks would be right to criticize Gute is we have two high draft picks then in Morgan and Belton and only one of them can be the RG and neither can replace Jenkins at center....

Meh. If we only have to replace center, we should be fine. It's typically one of the easier spots to fill with a rookie. Scott Wells, Corey Linsley, Josh Myers all got drafted, dropped in, and away they went.

This isn't to say its perfect, but it can be plug and play.

 

[tynimiller]

Morgan in pass pro has been phenomenal, matter of fact Walker, Morgan and Tom have all been phenomenal in pass pro...that group of three have given up zero sacks and only 8 pressures (Walker with 5 and Morgan 3).

Matter of fact folks when it comes to pass pro this OL has been other worldly really:

Rasheed Walker - 61 true pass block snaps | 0 Sacks | 0 QBHits | 5 Hurries | 5 Total Pressures
Aaron Banks - 24 Pass block snaps | 0 Sacks | 0 QBHits | 1 Hurries | 1 Total Pressures
Elgton Jenkins - 61 Pass Block snaps | 0 Sacks | 1 QBHits | 1 Hurries | 2 Total Pressures
Sean Rhyan - 51 pass block snaps | 0 Sacks | 0 QBHits | 3 Hurries | 3 Total Pressures
Jordan Morgan - 47 pass block snaps | 0 Sacks | 0 QBHits | 3 Hurries | 3 Total Pressures
Anthony Belton - 28 pass block snaps | 0 Sacks | 0 QBHits | 0 Hurries | 0 Total Pressures
Zach Tom - 20 pass block snaps | 0 Sacks | 0 QBHits | 0 Hurries | 0 Total Pressures

GRAND TOTAL: | 0 Sacks | 1 QBHits | 13 Hurries | 14 Total Pressures

Now what folks likely will notice Love has been sacked 2 times, plays can result in a sack but PFF or other sites not interpret it as the lineman giving it up. The two most common sack types that happen which are not placed at the feet of the OL are quarterback sacks which typically are plays where it is deemed they held the ball an unrealistic amount of time which was the primary factor in the sack and also then coverage sacks - which it is of no fault again of the OL or even the QB but time due to coverage main reason.

 

[tynimiller]

Meh. If we only have to replace center, we should be fine. It's typically one of the easier spots to fill with a rookie. Scott Wells, Corey Linsley, Josh Myers all got drafted, dropped in, and away they went.

This isn't to say its perfect, but it can be plug and play.

Oh believe me I fully support the concept of ease of replacing center, the issue in that scenario is you've have used fairly high draft picks on Morgan and Belton but unless one of them learns center, they will be sitting.

 

[AmishMafia]

Oh believe me I fully support the concept of ease of replacing center, the issue in that scenario is you've have used fairly high draft picks on Morgan and Belton but unless one of them learns center, they will be sitting.

Packers have already hinted at moving Tom to center. If they think either Morgan or Belton can handle RT well, it would be a possibility. I would hate to change positions for a great RT, but Packers have stated he can be an even better OC. And if the drop-off from Tom to ??? at RT isn't too big, the OLine as a whole would improve.

Walker-Banks-Tom-Belton-Morgan could be an intriguing combination.

 

[tynimiller]

Packers have already hinted at moving Tom to center. If they think either Morgan or Belton can handle RT well, it would be a possibility. I would hate to change positions for a great RT, but Packers have stated he can be an even better OC. And if the drop-off from Tom to ??? at RT isn't too big, the OLine as a whole would improve.

Walker-Banks-Tom-Belton-Morgan could be an intriguing combination.

Yup 100% agree. Although they just paid him tackle level money.....now granted having Belton and Morgan on rookie contracts makes this a non-factor and you know Tom don't care as he got PAID LOL

If you told me that was our starting 5 in 2026 I'm a VERY happy camper and likely go light up one of my favorite sticks in the humidor. Would we be depleted in experience behind them? Sure but a few draft picks and even maybe a cheaper veteran looking for a final year isn't bad.

 

[mradtke66]

Oh believe me I fully support the concept of ease of replacing center, the issue in that scenario is you've have used fairly high draft picks on Morgan and Belton but unless one of them learns center, they will be sitting.

I guess I see as Morgan as all but certain to be the LT next year. One problem solved.

Belton probably needs at least a year. He's a strong mauler, but I don't know if his feet will ever let him be a great tackle. If he is, cool, great. If not, maybe he slots at RG. Rhyan is also a pending free agent. We could easily lose him. Or we could sign him cheap and move HIM to center and Belton to RG.

Or Belton needs yet another year and he's our swing tackle in 2026. Also perfectly fine.

 

[tynimiller]

I guess I see as Morgan as all but certain to be the LT next year. One problem solved.

Belton probably needs at least a year. He's a strong mauler, but I don't know if his feet will ever let him be a great tackle. If he is, cool, great. If not, maybe he slots at RG. Rhyan is also a pending free agent. We could easily lose him. Or we could sign him cheap and move HIM to center and Belton to RG.

Or Belton needs yet another year and he's our swing tackle in 2026. Also perfectly fine.

Wait, am I understanding you correctly in that you think he is a better run blocker than pass blocker?

Yes he is a mauler but his blocking technique and athleticism shines more in pass pro than run blocking. He's year in and year out of his whole college career and short NFL career been a much better pass pro blocker than run blocker. Sure he has big mitts and if he connects can flatten folks but his run blocking is not as strong as his pass pro technique.

He for sure is a rook and raw to a point, but this young man has shined in pass pro chances...neither is guaranteed to grow into a all pro or anything but when it comes to pass pro they both shine for sure.

 

[El Guapo]

Back to Quay.....who thinks that he deserves a new deal?

Through two games he is playing pretty good (I think) but that's on top of a mountain of mediocre play through his first three seasons. If I were Gutekunst, I would be wary of a guy who only plays well in a contract year and because he is surrounded by other elite players. Unless they see improvement that is hard for us fans to see, I don't see a world in which we pay Quay Walker. Of course, we need to see that Hopper can take his place or else we better have a solid plan for getting someone else in FA.

 

[tynimiller]

Back to Quay.....who thinks that he deserves a new deal?

Through two games he is playing pretty good (I think) but that's on top of a mountain of mediocre play through his first three seasons. If I were Gutekunst, I would be wary of a guy who only plays well in a contract year and because he is surrounded by other elite players. Unless they see improvement that is hard for us fans to see, I don't see a world in which we pay Quay Walker. Of course, we need to see that Hopper can take his place or else we better have a solid plan for getting someone else in FA.

Everything is relative personally for me...now of course if they could get him for like $10M/2Yr song absolutely go for it....but something tells me that ain't gonna cut it. Off ball LBs like him are tough to gauge and seems value/contracts are very inconsistent to pin down a real guess of range but I'd be shocked if he isn't looking for $10M a year which is the TJ Edwards type level...but who knows.

If you let McDuffie go after this year that frees up $3.7M of non-dead cap you could slide to Quay....

In truth anything $8M/yr type deal or under I think Gute and Co will try to make it work....anything more I think we should see him walk.

When he and Cooper are at their best it is an incredible tandem....and then factor in the workhorse type guy McDuffie has been who executes just doesn't have the speed naturally - it is an awesome three headed off ball room.

 

[mradtke66]

Wait, am I understanding you correctly in that you think he is a better run blocker than pass blocker?

Not exactly, but I'd understand why you would think that.

I have questions about his feet and lateral quickness. He could easily prove me wrong after a year of seasoning, but right now, I don't think he has "it." And some people never develop "it."

And some people have the brain to be a Wrestling Guard and struggle to be Ballet Bear Tackle.

 

[OldSchool101]

Packers have already hinted at moving Tom to center. If they think either Morgan or Belton can handle RT well, it would be a possibility. I would hate to change positions for a great RT, but Packers have stated he can be an even better OC. And if the drop-off from Tom to ??? at RT isn't too big, the OLine as a whole would improve.

Walker-Banks-Tom-Belton-Morgan could be an intriguing combination.

I think it could be
Walker-Banks-Rhyan-Morgan-Tom
My gut tells me we offer Sean a 3-4yr deal for around $9-11M annual +- and he reduces to Center.
Imo Jenkins will be the first casualty of the Micah deal.
If my math is correct we’ll add another $10-12Mil to keep the band together less Elgton. Very doable using a couple void years etc.
We’d have
Walker 3-4yrs
Banks 3yrs
Rhyan for 3-4yrs
Morgan 2-3yrs (5th year)
Tom 4yrs

*this stilll gives us a substantial Swing OT, Belton + we don’t need Rhyan at RG next year, we’ve got G/T John Williams + G, Donovan Jennings under contract through 2026+ C/G Monk on Rookie $$. Also Morgan obviously serves as a Safety valve at OT. Lots of flexibility. If Walker snubs us at $20Mil yearly, just move on with Morgan at LT and we’d actually be +$10-11Mil to the good (Rookie OL $1Mil) and draft an OL in earlier Day3 4RD, 5RD etc

 

[AmishMafia]

I think it could be
Walker-Banks-Rhyan-Morgan-Tom
My gut tells me we offer Sean a 3-4yr deal for around $9-11M annual +- and he reduces to Center.
Imo Jenkins will be the first casualty of the Micah deal.
If my math is correct we’ll add another $10-12Mil to keep the band together less Elgton. Very doable using a couple void years etc.
We’d have
Walker 3-4yrs
Banks 3yrs
Rhyan for 3-4yrs
Morgan 2-3yrs (5th year)
Tom 4yrs

Im not sure about Rhyan. Seems to be a step up from Myer, but i hope we do better. Rhyan has all the tools and the attitude. Not sure why it hasn't completely clicked for him. Maybe this is the year it comes together for him.

Love having a consistent 3 year stretch of OL stability whilst Love and Parsons are in their prime.

I like to watch this podcast that has 2 former pro OLineman and they critique the teams OL. They are consistently impressed with the Packers. "This is next level stuff" the one guy says. Not just individual players, but how the Packer OLine plays as a unit.

 

[mradtke66]

I think it could be
Walker-Banks-Rhyan-Morgan-Tom

It seems more likely to me that they would roll the dice on letting Walker walk and move Morgan to LT.

Imo Jenkins will be the first casualty of the Micah deal.

Picking nits, but I don't think Jenkins and Parsons have much, if anything, to do with each other. Jenkins' contract as-is is high for a center. Bordering on "stupid high." Before we traded for Parsons, my opinion was solidly "we will release him after 2025." Strike one.

He's also going to 31 next year. Strike two. This would also be contract number 3 with the Packers. It's somewhat rare for us to hand those out. Strike three, bye Jenkins.

In other words, if the NFL made up a crazy rule that your top paid defender doesn't count against the salary cap, I would still expect Jenkins to be released after this year.

 

[OldSchool101]

Picking nits, but I don't think Jenkins and Parsons have much, if anything, to do with each other. Jenkins' contract as-is is high for a center. Bordering on "stupid high." Before we traded for Parsons, my opinion was solidly "we will release him after 2025." Strike one.

It’s all a crap shoot. I will say this though. Don’t think for a second that Gute isn’t consciously thinking about balancing the Micah contract. Us finance guys all kinda think similar. We’ll make a splash move m. But will need to offset it with a player contract that evens out the balance sheet. Elgton Jenkins is the perfect offset. He saves us $20Mil off our current 2026 projection. Kenny$ + Jenkins$ = Micah. If Gute hadn’t put that together I’ll smooth slap him.

 

[mradtke66]

It’s all a crap shoot. I will say this though. Don’t think for a second that Gute isn’t consciously thinking about balancing the Micah contract. Us finance guys all kinda think similar. We’ll make a splash move m. But will need to offset it with a player contract that evens out the balance sheet. Elgton Jenkins is the perfect offset. He saves us $20Mil off our current 2026 projection. Kenny$ + Jenkins$ = Micah. If Gute hadn’t put that together I’ll smooth slap him.

If anything, I would say it is the inverse. "Hey, we're going to release Jenkins after this year. We are free to spend accordingly."

 

[gopkrs]

Back to Quay.....who thinks that he deserves a new deal?

Through two games he is playing pretty good (I think) but that's on top of a mountain of mediocre play through his first three seasons. If I were Gutekunst, I would be wary of a guy who only plays well in a contract year and because he is surrounded by other elite players. Unless they see improvement that is hard for us fans to see, I don't see a world in which we pay Quay Walker. Of course, we need to see that Hopper can take his place or else we better have a solid plan for getting someone else in FA.

I think Q, or at least our linebacking tandem, is a big reason why we are doing so well against the run. And I very much like our depth there though Hopper hasn't had a chance to show what he's got. I think it's a very important area to have the kind of depth I think we have. So I'm truly hoping we can sign Q and keep them all. Depends on the numbers and I have to have faith in Gute to do the right thing. My crystal ball says Q isn't playing any differently because it's a contract year

 

[El Guapo]

I spent my lunch time re-watching the first half of the Washington game. On offense I only watched RT to see how Kinnard and Belton did. Belton is doing some dumb rookie things, like when he allowed the sack he was just keeping one arm on the edge rusher. He wasn't looking left for another guy, he was just being lazy and the edge rusher sacked Love.

On defense, I only watched the LBs. Cooper is what we all see - aggressive, instinctive, and goes to the ball. Quay still played tentative, was unsure on his tackles (is mostly a jump on the pile guy), and only was aggressive when told to blitz. I need to see more before any offer to Quay Walker made sense. He doesn't play with passion IMO. He has the body but not the mind. Mash him and McDuffie together and we'd have a monster.

 

[gopkrs]

I probably have some wishful thinking in there about Q. But he does have great size and good speed. If he goes down for a couple weeks; who takes over for him? Or is it a mix?

 

[tynimiller]

I probably have some wishful thinking in there about Q. But he does have great size and good speed. If he goes down for a couple weeks; who takes over for him? Or is it a mix?

In such a scenario it would be next man up which is Hopper and likely Parsons would be sprinkled in at off ball some too. Oliver is also an option once healthy.

 

[gopkrs]

In such a scenario it would be next man up which is Hopper and likely Parsons would be sprinkled in at off ball some too. Oliver is also an option once healthy.

I'm surprised you didn't bring up McDuffie