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Matt LaFleur says the quiet part out loud while shutting down Zach Tom conversation and signaling Packers have a clear plan

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 9:19 AM ET

Zach Tom is a right tackle. Yes, there was a time where the Green Bay Packers considered him a center, and moving him inside could be a tool to find the so-called "best five" offensive linemen to put on the field. However, the former fourth-round pick has established himself as one of the best right tackles in football, and by now it doesn't make any sense to move him to a least valuable position.

"That's the plan, absolutely. That's where he found his home," head coach Matt LaFleur said when asked if Tom would stay at right tackle full time. "What's great about him is that if you do have something that happens, it just gives you some flexibility upfront. We're always looking for guys like that, and I think our guys do a really good job of, not only scouting, finding players that have that versatility, but also our coaches do a really good job cross-training those guys."

So yes, Zach Tom can play basically all five positions. But at this point in his career, there's no good reason to move him away from the position where he's played so well. Last year, Tom received three All Pro votes, only behind Detroit Lions' Penei Sewell and Philadelphia Eagles' Lane Johnson as the best right tackles in football.

After a tough offseason in 2024 handling a pec injury, Zach Tom appears to be in a much better place now.

"As a whole, Zach is in a lot better space physically than he was a year ago, that's tough when you're rehabbing to get stronger and faster and in better shape," LaFleur added. "It's another thing to be out there practicing, doing all the drill work. You can really focus in the weight room on making those gains."

Contract situation

After playing three seasons in the NFL, Zach Tom is already eligible to sign a contract extension with the Packers. That could have easily led him to skip the voluntary portion of the offseason program, but the right tackle made sure to be around his team.

"I don't really think it'll do me any good to sit out," Tom said, via The Athletic. "I'm trying not to worry about the contract situation. I'm just trying to do what's best for the team. And being here with the guys, I think that's worth a lot more. The contract situation will take care of itself. So I'm just here working and grinding with the guys. If I wasn't here, I'd probably be somewhere just not doing anything. I want to be here, obviously."

Eventually, Zach Tom knows he will get paid, because it just makes too much sense for everybody involved. Meanwhile, he keeps being a leader and one of the most talented players on the Packers roster.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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