Should I Start Quay Walker?

Thursday, May 1, 7:08 PM

ESPN's Rob Demovsky reports that the Green Bay Packers aren't picking up the fifth-year option for the 2026 season on linebacker Quay Walker. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst said earlier this offseason that the Packers would like to sign him to a contract extension before the 2025 season starts. The 24-year-old remains in the team's long-term plans after recording 100-plus total tackles in all three of his NFL seasons. Walker was selected 22nd overall by Green Bay in 2022 out of Georgia, and he's contributed 341 total tackles (206 solo), 6.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, an interception returned for a touchdown, 12 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 44 regular-season games (43 starts). He played in a career-low 13 games in 2024 due to an ankle injury that cost him the final three regular-season games, but he returned to play in the wild-card loss to the Eagles.