Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker will become a free agent in March, and seems unlikely to return.
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An ancient Greek philosopher named Heraclitus once said: “The only constant is change.”
That will certainly be the case for the Green Bay Packers this offseason.
Not only is the future of head coach Matt LaFleur still muddy, but the Packers could take some serious hits in free agency.
Green Bay, which according to overthecap.com is currently $10.2 million over the salary cap in 2026, could lose five starters and arguably the NFL’s top No. 2 quarterback in Malik Willis via free agency.
The Packers could quickly escape salary cap hell and pick up approximately $45.5 million of cap space with the potential releases of defensive end Rashan Gary, guard/center Elgton Jenkins and cornerback Trevon Diggs. Even if that happens, though, Green Bay seems certain to take a handful of body blows in free agency.
Here’s a ranking of Green Bay’s unrestricted free agents in order of importance and the odds they’ll return.
1. Malik Willis, QB
It might seem odd to list the Packers’ backup quarterback ahead of several key starters. But Willis was sensational the past two years when starter Jordan Love was injured, and he could now command a deal in the range of $25 million per year.
Willis led Green Bay to wins over Indianapolis, Tennessee and Jacksonville in 2024 when starter Jordan Love was injured. Amazingly, he was even better this year, highlighted by a three touchdown (two rushing) performance in a loss against Baltimore.
In two seasons with Green Bay, Willis threw six touchdown, no interceptions, ran for three scores, completed 78.7% of his passes and had a passer rating of 134.6. Now, the 26-year-old Willis will likely be a starter for somebody come September.
When asked last week if he’s one of the 32 best quarterbacks in the league, the modest Willis said: “Everybody’s got their own opinion, but I think so. It don’t mean much what I think, though. We’ll see what happens in free agency.”
Odds of returning: 0%
2. Quay Walker, OLB
The Packers chose not to pick up Walker’s fifth-year option last offseason. And now it’s unclear whether they’ll sign him to an extension.
Walker has led Green Bay in tackles in each of his four of his NFL seasons. But he rarely makes an impact play, producing just one turnover play in the last three seasons.
Walker could get a deal in the $15 million range, which is likely too rich for Green Bay’s blood.
Odds of returning: 25%
3. Rasheed Walker, LT
Walker has made 48 starts at left tackle over the last three seasons, an impressive accomplishment for a former seventh round draft pick. Walker’s 2025 performance wasn’t good, though, as he allowed five sacks and had nine penalties — including two against Chicago in the Packers’ Wild Card loss.
A tackle-needy team will likely give Walker $20-plus million per year in free agency. Green Bay selected Jordan Morgan in the first round in 2024 to be its left tackle of the future, and needs to find out if Morgan can play.
“I’d love to be back,” Walker said on Monday. “I love Green Bay. Love the team, love the people here, and I feel we have a chance to do something special in the future.”
Odds of returning: 5%
4. Sean Rhyan, C
The versatile Rhyan moved from guard to center after Elgton Jenkins suffered a season-ending fibula injury in November. Rhyan played the position better than most anticipated, and it could be argued Green Bay’s offensive line play improved with him at center.
The Packers’ best move for 2026 would be to resign Rhyan at center and cut Jenkins, which would free up $19.5 million in salary cap space.
“To my knowledge, they haven’t reached out yet,” Rhyan said of the Packers. “I don’t know. For the time being I’m a Green Bay Packer.”
Odds of returning: 50%
5. Romeo Doubs, WR
Doubs led the Packers in receptions (55) and yards (724) and tied for the team-lead in TD receptions (six). He also had a sensational playoff game against Chicago (eight catches, 124 yards, one TD).
But the Packers have terrific depth here with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams and Dontayvion Wicks. Also, don’t forget Doubs went AWOL on his team late in the 2024 campaign and has had issues with concussions.
Someone will give Doubs a solid deal, it just won’t be Green Bay.
Odds of returning: 0%
6. Kingsley Enagbare, DE
The Packers will almost certainly release Rashan Gary, whose last sack came in Week 8. That would free up nearly $11 million in salary cap space.
Enagbare has been a solid rotational player, who took on a bigger role after Micah Parsons (ACL) was injured. The Packers should try keeping him around for a reasonable price.
Odds of returning: 75%
7. Nick Niemann, LB
Niemann led the NFL in special teams tackles through Week 8, then missed 10 games with a pectoral injury. He returned, though, for the Packers’ playoff game in Chicago.
For a team that’s perennially awful on special teams, Niemann is worth bringing back.
Odds of returning: 80%
8. Kristian Welch, LB
Another veteran whose greatest contributions are on special teams. Welch’s season ended when he suffered an ankle injury in a Week 16 loss at Chicago.
Odds of returning: 60%
9. John FitzPatrick, TE
FitzPatrick suffered a torn Achilles in Week 16 and seems likely to miss all, or most of the 2026 campaign.
FitzPatrick did have 12 catches for 72 yards before the injury.
Odds of returning: 50%
Restricted Free Agents (8)
RB Emanuel Wilson
RB Chris Brooks
OL Darian Kinnard
S Zayne Anderson
DE Brenton Cox
DE Aaron Moby
TE Josh Whyle
DL Jonathan Ford
Exclusive Rights Free Agents (4)
CB/WR Bo Melton
CB Kamal Hadden
OL Lecitus Smith
OL Donovan Jennings