Packers Retain Top Restricted Free Agent Tackle for 2026

Green Bay brings back Darian Kinnard on a one-year deal worth up to $3.75 million.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Green Bay Packers have re-signed restricted free agent tackle Darian Kinnard to a one-year contract worth up to $3.75 million. Kinnard, who the Packers acquired via a late-round pick trade last offseason, started four games and played 285 offensive snaps for the team in 2025 as an injury replacement.

Why it matters

With the Packers likely to lose starting offensive linemen Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins this offseason, retaining Kinnard provides valuable depth and flexibility on the offensive line as the team looks to build around quarterback Jordan Love.

The details

Kinnard will make up to $3.75 million on the one-year deal, which is more than the $3.5 million restricted free agent tender the Packers had the option to use. This suggests Kinnard signed for less than the tender amount but can earn more through playing time incentives. He is expected to be the Packers' sixth offensive lineman behind a projected starting line of Jordan Morgan, Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan, Anthony Belton, and Zach Tom.

  • The Packers acquired Darian Kinnard via a late-round pick trade last offseason.
  • Kinnard started four games and played 285 offensive snaps for the Packers in 2025.

The players

Darian Kinnard

A restricted free agent tackle who the Packers re-signed to a one-year deal worth up to $3.75 million.

Rasheed Walker

A Packers offensive lineman who is likely to leave the team in free agency this offseason.

Elgton Jenkins

A Packers offensive lineman who is likely to be released or traded as a cap casualty this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“After this move, following the trade of Rashan Gary, the Packers should have around $9 million-ish available in cap space for 2026.”

— Justis Mosqueda, Author (acmepackingcompany.com)

The takeaway

Retaining Darian Kinnard provides the Packers with valuable offensive line depth as they look to rebuild their unit around young talent like Jordan Love. This move helps offset the likely losses of veteran starters Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins this offseason.