Packers OT Rasheed Walker Faces a Big Challenge to Keep His Job

Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker has come a long way since he joined the team in 2022. But the former Penn State alum now faces a big challenge to keep his job. Recent draft picks and signings combined with his contract status have created a situation that puts his job with the Packers in jeopardy.

Packers OT Rasheed Walker Faces a Big Challenge: His Career So Far

Walker entered his last year at Penn State as a potential first round draft pick according to most scouts. Unfortunately, he struggled through his final season and fell all the way to the seventh round in 2022 where the Packers finally selected him with the 249^th overall pick.

Walker made the team but barely saw the field as a rookie. He played in only one game and saw four snaps, all of them coming on special teams.

In 2023, Walker started the season as a backup, but when David Bakhtiari was forced to the injured reserve after Week 1, Walker took over as the team’s starting left tackle. His primary job was to protect the blind side of quarterback Jordan Love.

Walker started 15 games in 2023 and all 17 contests last season. He developed into a quality starting left tackle in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus, Walker graded out as a very good pass blocker while only grading out as an average run blocker. He allowed just three sacks all season on 562 pass blocking snaps.

Offseason Moves on the Offensive Line

Since GM Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur took their positions, they had a distinct approach to the offensive line. They want the best five players to start. That’s one major reason they want many versatile players who can play multiple positions along the line.

During the offseason, the Packers made changes to the offensive line. In free agency, they added guard Aaron Banks who previously played for the San Francisco 49ers. The big man will be the starter at left guard when training camp opens.

Last year’s left guard, Elgton Jenkins, will be moving to center. Last year’s center, Josh Myers, was not re-signed and left for the New York Jets in free agency.

In the second round of the draft, the Packers added another offensive tackle in Anthony Belton. The North Carolina State alum may also be tried at guard.

Jordan Morgan, the Packers 2024 first-round pick, will also be competing for the starting job at left tackle according to LaFleur. Morgan rotated in at right guard last season before injuries sidelined him. He played in just six games.

LaFleur always wants competition, and now the offensive line will have plenty of it heading into training camp.

Packers OT Rasheed Walker Faces a Big Challenge: Looking Ahead

One thing hanging over Walker’s head is his contract status. The 2025 season will be the final year of his entry-level deal. It will also be a contract year for right guard Sean Rhyan and for starting right tackle Zach Tom.

The Packers are unlikely to sign all three of these players to another contract next offseason. According to most published reports, extending Tom will be the top priority for Gutekunst. Perhaps, one of the other two players will earn an extension. Walker will be fighting to be one of those players.

Entering training camp, Walker will likely battle Morgan for the starting left tackle spot. If Morgan beats him out, Walker will likely become the team’s swing tackle this season.

Walker needs to have a strong training camp to keep his starting job and to maximize his chances to earn a big contract next offseason. That could be with the Packers or with another NFL team.

Walker has come a long way since being one of the last players drafted in 2022. This training camp will go a long way towards determining the future trajectory of his career.