Packers Aim To Retain LB Quay Walker, DT Devonte Wyatt

In the case of linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, a decision will soon need to be made by the Packers. Their respective fifth-year options are due to be exercised or declined by the May 1 deadline, something general manager  Brian Gutekunst  spoke about during his pre-draft press conference.

“We won’t deal with that until after the draft, but whatever mechanism we use, we’d like to keep those guys around for ’26 and beyond,” Gutekunst said (via the team’s website). “So whether that’s through doing the fifth-year option on these guys or extending them one way or the other, we’re planning to do that. We’d like to do that.”

In September, it was unclear whether or not Walker would have his 2026 option exercised. Middle and outside linebackers are grouped together for fifth-year option valuations, and as a result, a $14.75MM commitment would be made in the event Green Bay took that route with the 24-year-old. Teams have shied away from picking up the option for middle linebackers in recent years, and Gutekunst indicated last month the Packers will continue that trend.

As a result, an extension will be needed if team and player are to continue their relationship beyond next season. Walker has started all but one of his games in Green Bay, recording triple-digit tackles each season to date. The Georgia product has added 6.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups and three forced fumbles to his career statistical output. A long-term accord would take into account those totals, but one approaching the top of the position’s market (which now includes six players earning at least $15MM annually) could come as a surprise. Green Bay does not have a big-ticket contract on the books at the LB spot, though one could be in place down the road if Edgerrin Cooper develops as hoped.

The Packers’ defensive interior, by contrast, already has a lucrative pact in the form of Kenny Clark. The three-time Pro Bowler is on the books through 2027 with scheduled cap hits as high as $31.37MM along the way. Having a low-cost contributor in the form of Wyatt has thus proved to be valuable. The former No. 28 pick has notched 10.5 sacks across the past two campaigns while logging snap shares of 50% and 41% during that span. A heavier workload could result in stronger production, although improved play against the run would no doubt be needed for an uptick in usage to come to bear.

Picking up Wyatt’s fifth-year option would tie him to $13.92MM in 2026 earnings, a notable spike in pay compared to his rookie pact but a figure well short of what the top D-linemen are making around the league. Of course, a long-term accord could result in a lower cap charge than the cost of a fully-guaranteed option year, so it will be interesting to see if that avenue is explored on one or both fronts by the Packers once the draft has concluded.