The Green Bay Packers could have as many as six starters hitting unrestricted free agency in 2026. Over the Cap projects them to have just $6.5 million in effective cap space, which ranks ninth-lowest in the league. With that kind of financial squeeze, they probably will not be able to bring everyone back—so some tough roster calls are coming soon.
Five of the six are on offense: Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, along with offensive linemen Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker, and Sean Rhyan. Watson will not return until December, but the rest should see significant playing time as they aim to earn a second contract with the team.
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According to NFLPA rules, Green Bay’s 2022 draft class members are eligible for contract extensions this offseason. Among them, there is one player the Packers should unquestionably re-sign as soon as possible.
Packers OT Zach Tom (50) blocks Saints defensive end Payton Turner (98) during the third quarter at Lambeau Field.© Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/Imagn Images
Packers offensive lineman Zach Tom has established himself as one of the premier tackles in the NFL. He played multiple positions and allowed just 12 pressures on 296 pass-blocking snaps as a rookie. In 2023, He played 1,064 snaps at right tackle and was one of 19 offensive tackles to log at least 650 pass-blocking snaps that year. Tom ranked second in fewest sacks and quarterback hits allowed and was fifth in lowest pressures allowed.
In 2024, Tom delivered his best season as a pro. According to Pro Football Focus, he posted career-high grades in both pass blocking and run blocking. He became the second Green Bay offensive tackle since 2006 to record pass-blocking and run-blocking grades above 80.0 in the same season—the first being David Bakhtiari in 2020.
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Houston Texans edge rusher and former Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson spoke with ESPN’s Kevin Clark about the best offensive lineman he has faced in the NFL. Anderson immediately singled out Zach Tom.
“Number 50, (Zach) Tom from Green Bay. He is legit,” Anderson said. “He is like a quick setter, he punches really quick, and he has a really good step off the ball, like, kick off the ball. He’s good, he’s more on the leaner side, quick feet, explosive hands, can get back really well. I would say he’s up there.”
The Packers will likely look to make Zach Tom the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL, and they should act quickly. With the salary cap increasing annually, the sooner they re-sign him, the sooner the deal could become a bargain. The longer they wait, however, the more expensive his services could become.
Related: The Packers Found A Versatile Defensive Steal Late In the 2025 NFL Draft
Related: Packers Decline Fifth-Year Option On Multi-Year Starter