Packers Face Tough Decisions on 4 Top Free Agents

Green Bay must weigh re-signing key players like OT Rasheed Walker, QB Malik Willis, WR Romeo Doubs, and LB Quay Walker.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:23pm

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The Green Bay Packers have four high-profile free agents entering the 2026 offseason: left tackle Rasheed Walker, quarterback Malik Willis, wide receiver Romeo Doubs, and linebacker Quay Walker. With limited salary cap space, general manager Brian Gutekunst will have to make tough decisions on whether to re-sign any of these players or let them test the open market.

Why it matters

The Packers have been a consistent playoff contender, but keeping their core intact will be challenging. Losing any of these players could create holes in the roster, while re-signing them may require difficult tradeoffs elsewhere. How Gutekunst navigates these decisions will shape the Packers' outlook for the 2026 season and beyond.

The details

Rasheed Walker has been a solid left tackle for the Packers, but his inconsistency and high projected price tag may price him out of Green Bay, especially with 2024 first-rounder Jordan Morgan waiting in the wings. Malik Willis has flashed potential as a backup, but the Packers may not be able to afford keeping him behind starter Jordan Love. Romeo Doubs emerged as a reliable target for Love, but the Packers' investment in 2023 first-rounder Matthew Golden makes Doubs expendable. Quay Walker has been a tackling machine, but his lack of impact plays could lead the Packers to let him walk in favor of Edgerrin Cooper's greater playmaking ability.

  • The Packers' four high-profile free agents are set to hit the open market in March 2026.

The players

Rasheed Walker

A left tackle who has started 48 games for the Packers over the past three seasons, though he has struggled with consistency at times.

Malik Willis

A quarterback who has served as a backup in Green Bay for the past two seasons, showcasing his arm talent and athleticism when filling in for starter Jordan Love.

Romeo Doubs

A wide receiver who emerged as a reliable target for Jordan Love, but the Packers may not be able to justify paying him top dollar with 2023 first-rounder Matthew Golden waiting in the wings.

Quay Walker

A linebacker who has been a tackling machine for the Packers, but his lack of impact plays could lead the team to move on in favor of Edgerrin Cooper's greater playmaking ability.

Brian Gutekunst

The general manager of the Green Bay Packers, who will have to make tough decisions on whether to re-sign the team's four high-profile free agents or let them test the open market.

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What they’re saying

“Operating on a tight budget, general manager Brian Gutekunst will have to make some tough decisions on who, or if, he wants to bring any of them back.”

— Brandon Carwile, Author

What’s next

The Packers will need to make decisions on these four free agents ahead of the 2026 offseason, with the free agency period set to open in March.

The takeaway

The Packers' ability to retain their core talent will be tested this offseason, as they must weigh the value of keeping proven contributors against the need to manage their salary cap and make room for younger players. Gutekunst's decisions on these four free agents will have a significant impact on the team's outlook for the 2026 season and beyond.