Green Bay Packers Offseason Checklist – Extend Zach Tom

The Packers enter the 2025 offseason with ample cap space to make a splash move and some clear roster needs that should be addressed. They could go out and sign a #1 wide receiver, an elite pass rusher, or a lockdown corner – all understandable moves. But one of the main priorities the Packers should focus on extending one of their top young players – Zach Tom.

A former fourth-round pick out of Wake Forest, Tom has emerged as one of the most reliable and talented right tackles in the NFL. In his two years as the full-time right tackle, Tom has shut down some of the best pass rushers in the league. He’s proven to be a vital part of keeping quarterback Jordan Love upright

Tom, a 25-year-old offensive lineman who just finished his third year as a starter, still has one more year left on his rookie contract. Per the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), NFL teams are not able to engage in contract extension talks with players on rookie contracts until after their third NFL season. Over the years, the Packers have been known for drafting, developing, and extending – especially their good, young players. The Packers recently have extended former draft picks Jordan Love, Rashan Gary, Jaire Alexander, Elgton Jenkins, and Kenny Clark.

One of Tom’s best traits is his versatility. The Green Bay Packers have shared that they believe Zach Tom has the potential to be a Hall-of-Fame caliber center. Currently, there is some uncertainty at the center position heading into next season. The Packers could consider shifting him to center if Josh Myers were to leave. However, neither the Packers nor Tom should feel compelled to make that change. Exceptional tackles are not easily found, and Tom is already an outstanding tackle. Moving him to a different position would be unwise for the Packers. Additionally, Tom’s contract would be significantly lower as a center. As the saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Projected Contract for Zach Tom

Pinpointing what a contract for Tom would look like isn’t an exact science. Some of the NFL’s best young tackles, such as Tristan Wirfs and Penei Sewell, have been rewarded with massive, top-of-the-market contracts recently. While Tom might be fair to discuss as one of the best at his position, he doesn’t have the NFL accolades that Wirfs and Sewell do. The Packers front office and Tom’s agent do have some other contracts to use as a precedent and starting point.

A contract for Tom likely fits somewhere in the middle of the contracts detailed above. Many would argue he’s a better player than Spencer Brown. He’s two years younger than Jordan Mailata. But he’s not going to be paid the same number as multiple-time All-Pros Tristan Wirfs or Penei Sewell. The most comparable contract is the one belonging to Minnesota tackle Christian Darrisaw. Tom and Darrisaw are similar in age, lack accolades, and have produced strong PFF grades. It would be fair to assume that Michael Hoffman (Tom’s agent) will be using Darrisaw’s contract as a starting point.

Knowing Tom and Darrisaw have had similar careers thus far, Tom will likely be looking for a 4-year contract extension that is around $105,000,000 in total value. Tom would be making around $26.25 million per season, which would put him just ahead of Darrisaw in average annual value (AAV). The Packers would likely have to give Tom a signing bonus of around $20,000,000 and guarantee around $45,000,000 at signing based on the precedent set by these other deals. While it may seem like a large contract, the tackle position is vital and the market for good tackles is not cheap.

While lacking any All-Pro or Pro Bowl recognition, Zach Tom has continued to be elite at his position. PFF gave him an overall grade of 87.6 (4th), a pass block grade of 82.1 (12th), and a run block grade of 90.0 (3rd). He has proven to be durable by playing all 17 games in back-to-back seasons. And while primarily lining up at right tackle, Tom has proven to have the versatility of lining up all over the offensive line. Tom will almost certainly want to be paid as one of the game’s best, and rightfully so.

Getting Zach Tom’s Deal Done

Many Green Bay Packers fans may have a sour taste in their mouths after a lackluster performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Pass rusher Nolan Smith made Tom look silly on multiple occasions. But everyone has a bad day at the office from time to time. It just so happens that Tom’s came at the worst time. Tom has proven that he is a much better player than that one performance. He needs to be locked up as a fixture on the Packers offensive line for the foreseeable future. He has proven to be elite as a run blocker and a strong pass blocker. And while he’s been a lockdown right tackle, he can fill any hole that the team needs.

As Zach Tom heads into the final year of his rookie contract, he is likely motivated to get an extension done sooner rather than later. He’s currently slated to make $3,214,000 next season before becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025 season. Tom should also understand that nothing is ever a given in the NFL. Just last offseason, Tom tore his pectoral muscle which led to him missing much of the offseason program. While this injury didn’t hinder his performance in 2024, injuries can happen when least expected so Tom should secure his money while he can.

The tackle market is fairly set for Tom and his agent to evaluate. Tom may very well be the best tackle from the 2022 draft class so he shouldn’t have to wait for another tackle to sign a rookie contract extension and reset the tackle market. Sure, the idea of being an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 season could be attractive to Tom but the Packers would never let that happen. The Green Bay Packers will want Tom under contract for the foreseeable future. Tom will want to be paid as one of the game’s best. It’s time to come together to get it done.