The Green Bay Packers will likely trade former first-round pick linebacker Quay Walker after declining his fifth-year option. According to a report, it suggests that the Packers may move on from the linebacker since they didn’t grant him another year beyond his rookie contract. Originally selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, this could be the final season for the former Georgia product, as it has always been the anticipation that they would pick up his fifth-year option. It didn’t happen, so it probably means the Packers are preparing to move on from him.
Walker had one of the best rookie years as a Packer, recording a team-high of three forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks and 121 total tackles. Despite a few altercations on the field that season, the Linebacker did have a lot of potential to be the keystone player for this defense. However, since he has potential, Walker couldn’t intrigue the organization to justify them to give him another chance on this roster. The Packers are reportedly still trying to re-sign Walker to a long-term deal, but they may have to do that before the start of the 2025 regular season.
On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys are the latest team expected to pursue him in the trade market if he becomes available. It makes sense since the team needs all of the young defensive talent to become a mainstay. However, the Cowboys won’t be the only ones to pursue him, but these three teams could.
Breaking: Packers Could Trade Former First Rounder Quay Walker – 3 Possible Destinations
Possible Fits
Baltimore Ravens
It’s hard to imagine Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy will carry this linebacker unit single-handedly, as they lost one crucial free agent, Malik Harrison, to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last season, the pass rushing unit was not on the same page since Trenton Simpson has been struggling to bring life out of this defense after losing Jadeveon Clowney last offseason. The veteran was arguably their best linebacker that they couldn’t afford to lose, but they had no choice since he couldn’t fit the bill anymore. They might have no other option but to trade for Walker, who could provide some upside for at least a year since he’s still on a rookie contract.
The Ravens don’t have a lot of spending money to get the best available possible trade candidate, but Walker might fit into what this defense is looking for. Baltimore has one of the most talented offenses and can’t let it go to waste since they’ve been reluctant to improve their defense. Walker might not do much, but he’s a capable upgrade over Simpson and Tavius Robinson.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the same can be said about the Los Angeles Chargers, even though they have the cap space to pull off a Walker trade. Khalil Mack will likely retire next year, and the Chargers will have no choice but to rebuild their defensive pass rush. After releasing Joey Bosa, the team is in a good position to secure Walker if head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to fulfill the promise of winning games in the trenches.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders could use some help in their defensive unit since they have a lot of weak points in that department, despite having an explosive offense led by quarterback Jayden Daniels. The good news is that Bobby Wagner is returning, but they did lose Dante Fowler Jr. to the Cowboys, who led the Commanders in sacks last season. Walker may be a capable replacement once Wagner eventually hangs up his cleats.
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