Packers Let First-Round LB Quay Walker Hit Free Agency

Green Bay trades for veteran LB Zaire Franklin, signaling Walker's expected departure

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Green Bay Packers have decided not to re-sign linebacker Quay Walker, their 2021 first-round draft pick, and instead traded for veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin. Walker is expected to have a "strong market" in free agency and could command a deal worth around $15 million per year.

Why it matters

This move signals the Packers are moving on from Walker after just four seasons, despite him being a former first-round pick. The team is prioritizing cost savings on the salary cap over retaining a young, talented player, which could be a risky gamble if Walker reaches his full potential elsewhere.

The details

The Packers declined to pick up Walker's fifth-year team option last offseason, making him a free agent this year. After failing to reach a new deal with Walker, the team traded for Franklin, who will cost around $7 million on the 2026 cap. This suggests the Packers decided Walker's asking price was too high and opted to go in a different direction at the position.

  • The Packers traded for LB Zaire Franklin on Saturday, March 9, 2026.
  • The new league year begins on Tuesday, March 11, 2026, when Walker can officially sign with a new team.

The players

Quay Walker

A 2021 first-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers who is expected to hit free agency and command a deal worth around $15 million per year.

Zaire Franklin

A veteran linebacker who the Packers traded for on March 9, 2026, likely signaling the departure of Quay Walker.

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What they’re saying

“The Packers and Walker failed to find common ground on a new deal, and Walker is expected to have a "strong market" once he hits free agency.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network reporter (NFL Network)

“ESPN's Dan Graziano recently projected Walker to sign a three-year, $42 million deal in free agency. That would equate to $14 million per year.”

— Dan Graziano, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The legal tampering period opens on Monday, March 10, 2026, when Walker could start negotiating a deal with a new team. The new league year begins on Tuesday, March 11, 2026, when Walker can officially sign with a new franchise.

The takeaway

This move by the Packers highlights the difficult decisions teams face when it comes to retaining young, talented players. By letting Walker hit free agency, the Packers are prioritizing cost savings over keeping a former first-round pick, which could backfire if Walker reaches his full potential elsewhere.