Packers Linebacker Quay Walker Hits Free Agency

Green Bay's decision to trade for Zaire Franklin could lead to the departure of former first-round pick Quay Walker.

Mar. 7, 2026 at 9:43pm

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Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the team declined his fifth-year option. The Packers' recent trade for linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts is expected to impact Walker's future with the team. Walker, a first-round pick in 2022, is coming off a career-high 128 total tackles in 2025 and is expected to garner significant interest on the open market.

Why it matters

The Packers are looking to rebuild their defense after a disappointing 2025 season that saw them miss the playoffs. The future of their 2022 first-round pick, Quay Walker, is now uncertain as the team has made moves to bring in new talent at the linebacker position.

The details

The Packers declined to pick up the fifth-year option on Walker's rookie contract, making him an unrestricted free agent. This comes after the team traded for linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts, a move that is expected to impact Walker's role and future with the team. Walker is coming off a career-best season in 2025 with 128 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 7 quarterback hits.

  • The Packers declined Quay Walker's fifth-year option in May 2025.
  • The Packers traded for linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday.
  • NFL free agency officially begins on March 11, 2026 at 4 p.m. EST.

The players

Quay Walker

A 25-year-old linebacker who was the Packers' first-round pick in 2022. He is coming off a career-best season in 2025 with 128 total tackles.

Zaire Franklin

A linebacker who was traded from the Indianapolis Colts to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday.

Micah Parsons

A star pass rusher who the Packers acquired in a trade with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, but suffered a season-ending ACL injury in December.

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What they’re saying

“The Packers wanted to keep LB Quay Walker and made several runs at re-signing him before the Zaire Franklin trade, but it now appears the former first-round pick will hit free agency Monday, and he is expected to have a strong market.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network (X (formerly Twitter)

“Quay Walker will garner a three-year, $42 million contract with $20 million guaranteed in the open market. Walker will land with the Las Vegas Raiders, who are now in even more dire need of a pass rush after trading Maxx Crosby to Baltimore on Friday.”

— Dan Graziano, ESPN (ESPN)

What’s next

The Packers will need to decide whether to re-sign Quay Walker or let him test free agency, where he is expected to have a strong market. The team's trade for Zaire Franklin suggests they may be moving on from Walker, but his future with the team remains uncertain heading into the new league year.

The takeaway

The Packers are facing a pivotal offseason as they look to rebuild their defense after a disappointing 2025 season. The future of 2022 first-round pick Quay Walker is now in question, as the team's recent trade for Zaire Franklin could signal a shift in their linebacker corps.