Image source: AP Photo/Gary McCullough
Rasheed Walker signs a one-year $10M deal with the Panthers, reducing the Packers’ expected compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
The Green Bay Packers entered the 2026 offseason determined to reshape key parts of their roster. Several familiar names moved on as the organization looked to reset the lineup and create long-term flexibility.
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Among those departures is offensive tackle Rasheed Walker, who has now signed with the Carolina Panthers in free agency.
Walker’s exit was not entirely unexpected. However, the financial details of his new contract surprised many around the league. Instead of landing the lucrative multi-year deal many analysts predicted, Walker agreed to a short-term contract that significantly changes the draft compensation outlook for Green Bay.
For a team that hoped to gain a valuable draft asset from his departure, the outcome was far from ideal.
Unexpected Contract Alters Packers’ Draft Outlook
Before free agency opened, projections suggested Walker could command a contract worth more than $20 million per year. Analysts believed the former Penn State standout was the top left tackle available on the market.
If Walker had signed a deal in that range, the Packers likely would have received a third-round compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Instead, Walker agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $10 million with Carolina.
That lower salary dramatically changes the compensatory pick formula. According to current projections, Green Bay is now expected to receive only a sixth-round pick in 2027 for losing Walker in free agency.
While sixth-round picks can still produce useful players, history shows the odds of landing long-term starters or impact contributors are significantly higher with selections in the third round.
A Fresh Opportunity Awaits Walker in Carolina
Despite the smaller contract, Walker could find himself in a favorable situation with the Panthers.
Carolina may have an opening at left tackle after Ikem Ekwonu suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during the team’s Wild Card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Because of the timing of the injury, Ekwonu could miss the start of the 2026 season.
That scenario gives Walker a real chance to step into the starting lineup early in the year.
If he performs well while filling in, the 26-year-old lineman could rebuild his market value and position himself for a much larger contract in the next offseason.
Walker’s Journey From Late Pick to Starting Tackle
Walker’s path to becoming an NFL starter has been anything but conventional.
The Packers selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and he saw very limited playing time as a rookie.
His opportunity came when veteran left tackle David Bakhtiari struggled with persistent knee issues during the 2023 season. Walker stepped in and eventually secured the starting role protecting quarterback Jordan Love’s blindside.
Over the next two seasons, Walker proved to be a solid pass protector. However, his run blocking remained inconsistent, and his 2025 season included more penalties and uneven performances.
Those issues likely contributed to the lack of strong multi-year offers in free agency.
Did Green Bay Miss a Chance to Keep Him?
Walker’s modest contract has also raised questions about whether the Packers should have tried to retain him.
A one-year deal worth around $10 million might have been a reasonable price for a team that still has uncertainty along the offensive line.
Right tackle Zach Tom is recovering from multiple injuries, while young lineman Jordan Morgan has yet to fully establish himself as a reliable full-time starter.
Keeping Walker could have given Green Bay valuable depth and competition at tackle. Even if he didn’t win a starting job, he would have served as a dependable backup capable of stepping in when needed.
Key Takeaways
- Rasheed Walker signed a one-year deal worth up to $10 million with the Panthers.
- The contract likely reduces Green Bay’s compensatory pick from a third-rounder to a sixth-round pick in 2027.
- Walker could start early in Carolina if Ikem Ekwonu misses time with injury.
- The former seventh-round pick started two seasons in Green Bay protecting Jordan Love.
- Some analysts believe the Packers may have missed an opportunity to retain Walker for depth.
Walker’s departure marks another step in the Packers’ roster transition as the team reshapes its offensive line and overall depth chart.
Although Green Bay will still receive compensatory picks for other departing players, Walker’s smaller-than-expected contract reduces the potential draft value they hoped to gain from his exit.
For the Panthers, however, the move represents a low-risk signing with potential upside. If Walker takes advantage of the opportunity in Carolina and proves he can handle a starting role again, this short-term deal could become the stepping stone to a much bigger payday in the future.
FAQ:
Why did Rasheed Walker sign with the Carolina Panthers?
Rasheed Walker joined the Carolina Panthers in free agency after his contract with the Green Bay Packers expired. He agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, giving him a chance to prove himself and potentially secure a bigger contract in the future.
How does Rasheed Walker’s contract affect the Packers’ compensatory picks?
Because Walker’s contract value is lower than expected, the Packers are projected to receive a sixth-round compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft instead of the third-round pick that analysts initially predicted.
Could Rasheed Walker become a starter for the Panthers?
Yes. Walker may have an opportunity to start at left tackle if Ikem Ekwonu misses time recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon suffered during a playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams.
When was Rasheed Walker drafted into the NFL?
Walker was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft after playing college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions football.
How did Rasheed Walker perform during his time with the Packers?
Walker became a starting left tackle after injuries to veteran lineman David Bakhtiari. Over two seasons, he provided solid pass protection for quarterback Jordan Love, although his run blocking and penalties were sometimes inconsistent.
Did the Packers consider re-signing Rasheed Walker?
While the Packers could have brought Walker back on a short-term deal, the team chose to move forward with younger offensive linemen and explore other options for depth along the offensive line.
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