With the fifth-year option deadline, the Green Bay Packers have made a decision on one of their Georgia Bulldogs. They didn’t exercise the fifth-year option on linebacker Quay Walker, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.
Walker would’ve made a guaranteed $14.751 million in 2026 if the Packers agreed to the teamoption, but now his rookie contract is set to expire after 2025. Even still, general manager Brian Gutekunst professes that the Packers want to keep Walker on the roster after 2026, one way or another.
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Walker was the 38th ranked prospect when he signed with Georgia in 2018. With the Bulldogs, he racked up 139 tackles, 12 TFLs, 5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Walker established a reputation for being able to recognize and break up plays extremely quickly, making him one of the best run-defenders in Georgia’s 2021 national championship team that allowed just 2.6 yards per carry.
Walker was drafted by the Packers in the first-round of the 2022 NFL draft and has made a consistent impact as a pro. Through 44 games, Walker has totaled 341 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, 6.5 sacks, 12 passes deflected, three forced fumbles, and an interception, which he returned for a pick six against Chicago in Week 1 of the 2023 season.
The Packers did exercise the fifth-year option of former Georgia Bulldog Devonte Wyatt earlier today, but they’re not going to pick up the option on Walker, potentially looking for an extension for him. Regardless, the Packers have several former Georgia Bulldogs on their roster, including new arrivals Warren Brinson and Nazir Stackhouse.
This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Green Bay Packers decline fifth-year option on former Georgia Bulldog