Packers Extension Pitch Could Lock In Star Tackle Before 2025 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Felipe Reis Aceti | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 1:18 PM ET

Under NFLPA rules, the Green Bay Packers can begin contract extension talks this offseason with their 2022 draft class. Several players from that class have become key contributors on offense, including Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Sean Rhyan. On defense, Devonte Wyatt and Quay Walker have gotten significant playing time with Joe Barry and Jeff Hafley.

According to Over The Cap, Green Bay currently has $35.5 million in free cap space, giving them the financial flexibility to finalize a deal with at least one member of their 2022 class just before the start of the 2025 season. Alternatively, the Packers could allow these players to complete the final year of their rookie contracts and negotiate new deals with those they want to keep just before the start of the 2026 league year.

Whether General Manager Brian Gutekunst will extend any of those players this offseason is uncertain. Still, ESPN’s Aaron Schultz believes that getting a new deal done with Zach Tom should be Green Bay’s final move before the start of the 2025 regular season.

"The Packers have both their starting tackles coming to free agency after the 2025 season, Tom and left tackle Rasheed Walker. However, Tom has been the better player, and the Packers drafted a potential replacement for Walker in Anthony Belton this past April," Schultz wrote. "Tom ranked 18th in pass block win rate (95.1%) last season among tackles, was above average in run block win rate (75.4%), and has the versatility to play other positions along the line."

It is only a matter of time until the Packers extend Zach Tom. He’s played all five positions on the offensive line and finished third in All-Pro voting among right tackles last season. It is fair to imagine his camp could seek a deal in the range of $25 million per year — a figure that would place him among the four highest-paid right tackles in the NFL.

It’s definitely Zach Tom.

On the Packers’ first 6 possessions against the #49ers, Love went 15 for 22, 168 yards, 2 TDs, and a 120.3 rating.

On the Packers’ last 4 possessions, Love went 6 for 12, 30 yards, 2 INTs, and a 16.7 rating.

Guess which drives Tom didn’t play in? https://t.co/qXAq8N7GZl
— Felipe Reis Aceti (@Aceti_Felipe) March 28, 2024

If the Packers prioritize any contract extension this offseason, it should be for Zach Tom. He is too valuable — not only as a high-end starter at tackle but also as someone who can seamlessly step in at any other position if injuries pile up across the offensive line. It would be shocking if Green Bay allowed a player of his caliber to reach the open market.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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