March 5, 2026, 2:27 p.m. ET
One of the top linebackers on the free agent market has direct ties to Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile.
Coming in at No. 10 on Matt Bowen’s top free agent rankings over at ESPN is Green Bay Packers’ linebacker Quay Walker. During the 2024 NFL season, Campanile was Walker’s linebackers coach in Green Bay. That season was arguably Walker’s best in the NFL.
The former first-round pick out of Georgia has made 57 starts in his first four seasons. Walker has been a reliable tackler throughout his career and an effective blitzer.
In coverage, he’s held opponents to under 10 yards per catch, while recording an interception and 16 pass breakups.
Listed at 6-4, Walker brings good size to the position and is still just 26 years old.
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“Walker’s explosive traits create playmaking upside; he can cover ground as a run-and-hit defender,” Bowen wrote. “Plus, he diagnosed the run game at a quicker rate in 2025, averaging 4.9 tackles on designed rushes per game (11th highest). Overall, Walker had 2.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss and 4 pass breakups.”
If Devin Lloyd ends up elsewhere, the Jaguars will have to address the linebacker position in some capacity. Walker could provide the Jaguars with a player who can step into the starting lineup right away and make an impact, while not commanding the same salary as Lloyd is projected to earn.