The last couple cohorts of Packers free agents have not caused any concern when it comes to resigning players. However, after a successful 2022 draft, Brian Gutekunst will have some decisions to make regarding Packers free agents in 2026. Throughout this article we will review a couple of the big names slated to hit free agency in 2026. For each player we will discuss whether GB should extend them before the 2025 season, evaluate them this time next year, or let them walk. (List via Over The Cap)
Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson
It only makes sense to group these two together. The short answer for these two wide outs is to re-evaluate at the end of 2025. Both are coming off concerning injuries in 2024. Christian Watson suffering a season ending ACL injury during the week 18 loss to the Bears. Meanwhile, Romeo Doubs sustained his second concussion of the season in the wild card loss to the Eagles.
Watson’s injury will keep him out of most of 2025. This makes any decision regarding him right now almost impossible right now. Doubs, who had issues with his role in 2024, will need to be more consistent in 2025. If the former Nevada receiver can carve a role for himself on offense, then I’d expect him to be back. However, if he continues to be inconsistent and repeat his 2024 season, then the Packers should let him hit free agency, and pursue either a vet option, or draft his replacement.
My gut feeling is if Watson does come back and re-finds his speed (not a guarantee – see Eric Stokes), then the Packers should resign him as the offense is just a different beast when the former NDSU star is out on the field. Watson also had the lowest drop percentage of the 4 top Packers’ receivers in 2024. So even if he can’t get recover in time for 2025, don’t be shocked if Green Bay resign him.
Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt
These next two Packers free agents are Devonte Wyatt and Quay Walker. Both players are waiting to find out if their 5th year option is being picked up. It seems more likely than not that both will be picked up, but in my opinion, the Packers best option would be to repeat their Jordan Love tactic, and offer both a one year deal, below the cost of the 5th year option, but still a significant wage increase. It would give both players an extra year to prove they are worth a long term extension, especially with a second year in Jeff Hafley’s scheme.
I discussed Quay Walker’s future in my article talking about LB’s last week, and Andy Herman reviewed the 5th year option decision on his Pack-A-Day Podcast.
But both Walker and Wyatt should be re-evaluated after the 2025 season, having had a second season in Hafley’s defence, especially Walker, who came on throughout the season prior to his injury in Seattle. Wyatt has also had the injury bug, so a big season for both players in 2025 could see them secure long term contracts with the team. However, if both continue to play inconsistently, especially Walker who can be a liability on defence, then both could become Packers free agents in 2026.
Zach Tom, Sean Rhyan and Rasheed Walker
Our final three Packers free agents in 2026 are all starters on the offensive line. This is where hitting on three linemen in the same class becomes an issue. Zach Tom is the easy answer here, and is someone I expect Brian Gutekunst to extend during this offseason. Tom has been an outstanding starter for the Pack over the last two seasons, and can expect a large extension.
Sean Rhyan is a tricky one, as he was a player who showed excellent development throughout the ’24 season, but has been consistent in the pass. I expect Green Bay to extend Rhyan, but not until after the 2025 off-season, assuming he continues his solid performances into 2025.
Walker (See image) is the most difficult decision of the three, as he arguably regressed from his 2023 form throughout 2024, committing 9 penalties. Walker received a 54.1 run blocking grade by PFF ranking him 108/141 tackles. With the Packers being a more run heavy team with Josh Jacobs, you would expect Walker will need to improve his run blocking, and recover his 2023 form to earn a second contract from the Packers, especially with 2024 first round rookie Jordan Morgan as a potential long term solution at the position.
Other notable Packers Free Agents
Some other names that are worth keeping an eye on are backup QB Malik Willis, EDGE Kingsley Enagbare, EDGE Brenton Cox Jr. and WR Malik Heath. I would expect the Packers to attempt to regain Willis’ services, but a few good showings in 2024 could tempt some QB needy team to take a shot on him if he was to hit free agency, but I wouldn’t expect any contract to be signed until 2026.
Enagbare is someone who will need to make a bigger impact in 2025 to ensure a second contract. My best guess is the Packers will let him test free agency but give him their best offer as a fall back should he fail to find a better offer elsewhere.
Cox made an impact last year after red-shirting the year before, and should be continue to make semi-frequent impact plays, he is someone I could see GB bringing back on a short term contract.
Heath is a name some Packers fans will be familiar with, but I suspect he’ll want a new start where there is slightly less depth at the position, so he will most likely become a Packers free agent.
Final Remarks
Brian Gutekunst is sure to have a lot of sleepless nights with the decisions he’s going to have to make over the next 12/13 months, and of course this year’s free agency and draft will have a large impact on what happens to next years cohort of Packers free agents. Overall, the only player I would expect them to extend before the new season starts is Zach Tom, whilst most of the other players will be fully dependent on their performances in 2025, which could elevate them, and the team, to the next level.
