The Green Bay Packers are making waves this offseason with a bold move to secure the future of their offensive line. At the center of this seismic decision is offensive tackle Zach Tom, a rising star whose exceptional 2024 performance has positioned him as one of the NFL’s elite linemen. As Tom enters the final year of his rookie contract, the Packers are reportedly in serious discussions to lock him up with a massive extension, a move that could send shockwaves through the league.
A Star on the Rise
Drafted in the fourth round (No. 140 overall) out of Wake Forest in the 2022 NFL Draft, Zach Tom has quickly emerged as a cornerstone of Green Bay’s offensive front. In 2024, Tom’s stellar play at right tackle earned him widespread acclaim. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked him as the fourth-best tackle in the NFL out of 140 qualifying players, with an impressive overall grade of 87.5. His dominance was evident in both pass protection and run blocking, finishing 12th in pass-blocking grade and an astounding third in run-blocking grade among all tackles.
Tom’s versatility, technique, and consistency have made him indispensable to the Packers’ offensive scheme. Protecting quarterback Jordan Love and paving the way for a dynamic rushing attack, Tom has proven he’s worth every penny of a potential blockbuster contract.
The Price of Excellence
Spotrac projects Tom’s market value at a staggering $86.7 million over a four-year extension, a figure that would place him among the highest-paid right tackles in the NFL. While the price tag is steep, it reflects the premium placed on elite offensive linemen in today’s pass-heavy league. With the salary cap continuing to rise, securing a player of Tom’s caliber at this juncture could prove to be a savvy long-term investment for Green Bay.
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has made it clear that retaining Tom is a priority. On June 18, 2025, Gutekunst shared an optimistic update, stating, “We’ve had really healthy conversations with Zach about locking him up, and certainly that’s something we’d like to do. He’s been a really good player for us since the time he got here, done everything right by us, so hopefully we’ll get there soon.” While Gutekunst acknowledged that such negotiations take time, the Packers’ proactive approach signals their intent to keep Tom in Green Bay for years to come.
A Power Play with League-Wide Implications
The decision to pursue a high-value extension for Tom is more than just a roster move—it’s a statement. The Packers are signaling their commitment to building around a strong offensive line, a foundation that has fueled their recent success. By locking in Tom, Green Bay ensures stability and protection for Jordan Love, who continues to develop into a franchise quarterback. This move also reinforces the team’s identity as a physical, run-heavy outfit capable of dominating in the trenches.
The ripple effects of this potential deal will be felt across the NFL. Teams with aging or underperforming tackles may look to the draft or free agency to keep pace, while other young linemen approaching contract years could point to Tom’s deal as a benchmark. The Packers’ willingness to invest heavily in a right tackle—a position historically undervalued compared to left tackles—could also shift market trends, redefining the financial landscape for elite offensive linemen.
Challenges and Expectations
While the Packers are eager to finalize a deal, negotiations of this magnitude are rarely straightforward. Tom’s camp will likely push for a contract that reflects his elite status, while Green Bay must balance the financial commitment with other offseason priorities, including extensions for other key players and potential free-agent acquisitions. However, Gutekunst’s track record suggests a calculated approach, and his confidence in Tom’s value to the team is evident.
For Tom, the expectations will only grow with a new contract. At just 26 years old, he has yet to reach his prime, and the Packers will expect him to maintain or exceed his 2024 performance. His ability to anchor the right side of the line, adapt to defensive schemes, and mentor younger linemen will be critical as Green Bay aims to compete for a Super Bowl in the coming years.
A Franchise-Altering Decision
The Green Bay Packers’ pursuit of a blockbuster extension for Zach Tom is a bold and unexpected power play that underscores their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster. By investing in one of the NFL’s premier tackles, the Packers are not only securing their offensive line but also sending a message to the league: Green Bay is all-in on contending now and in the future.
As negotiations progress, the NFL will be watching closely. A finalized deal could cement Tom as a cornerstone of the Packers’ franchise and reshape the market for offensive linemen. For now, Packers fans can take solace in knowing their team is making the right moves to protect their quarterback and dominate the line of scrimmage. The future in Green Bay is bright—and with Zach Tom leading the charge, it’s only getting brighter.