Rumors about the Green Bay Packers considering a contract extension with guard Sean Rhyan have sparked heated debates within the NFL community. Recent reports from Zone Coverage suggest that the Packers might be ready to “aggressively” invest in the third-year player, but is this a strategic move or merely a smokescreen to conceal a larger plan? An NFL insider has come forward, revealing surprising details behind this story.
Sean Rhyan’s Journey: From Questioned Rookie to Promising Prospect
Sean Rhyan, selected by the Packers in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of UCLA, faced significant skepticism early in his career. His rookie season was marred by a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy, leaving him with minimal impact. In 2023, Rhyan began to see playing time, splitting snaps with Jon Runyan Jr. at right guard and showing promise in run-blocking, though his pass-blocking skills still needed refinement.
By the 2024 season, Rhyan had emerged as a key component of the Packers’ offensive line, playing 961/1082 offensive snaps (88.8%) and significantly boosting the team’s rushing game with an average of 0.78 yards per carry when he was on the field. However, with only 34.952% of total snaps over three seasons, Rhyan narrowly missed out on a Proven Performance Escalator pay raise of over $2 million by just two snaps. This puts him in a precarious position as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.
Extension Rumors: Strategy or Deception?
According to Zone Coverage, the Packers appear to be considering an extension for Rhyan, especially after he demonstrated versatility at both guard and center during preseason games. However, an anonymous NFL insider suggests these rumors may be part of a calculated misdirection by GM Brian Gutekunst. With Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker also approaching free agency in 2026, alongside the emergence of young talents like Jordan Morgan and Anthony Belton, the Packers might be using the Rhyan extension rumors to alleviate pressure in negotiations with bigger names.
“The Packers aren’t short on options for their offensive line,” the insider noted. “Rhyan is a notable talent, but prioritizing his extension now seems like a way to keep the market value of Tom and Walker in check while further evaluating Jordan Morgan before making major decisions.”
Pressure from Internal Competition
The Packers’ signing of Aaron Banks and plans to shift Elgton Jenkins to center have intensified the pressure on Rhyan. Jordan Morgan, a first-round pick in 2024, despite suffering a shoulder injury in his rookie season, remains a significant threat to Rhyan’s right guard position. Anthony Belton, a second-round rookie in 2025, is also expected to contribute to the lineup soon. With a deep pool of young talent and the versatility of players like Zach Tom, Rhyan must prove his worth in the 2025 season to secure a new deal.
If Rhyan can capitalize on opportunities to play center—especially with Jenkins pushing for a new contract—he could significantly boost his value, not just with the Packers but also on the open market. His ability to play multiple positions (guard and center) is a major asset, but he needs to improve his pass-blocking, which earned a PFF grade of 62 last season, the second-lowest among the Packers’ starting linemen.
What’s the Real Plot?
The insider emphasizes that the Packers are not only evaluating Rhyan’s future but also preparing for a major overhaul of their offensive line in 2026. With a tight salary cap, retaining Tom, Walker, and Jenkins simultaneously seems unlikely. Rhyan, with his relatively low current salary, could be a cost-effective option to maintain stability, especially if Morgan or Belton aren’t ready to step into starting roles. However, “hyping up” extension rumors might be a way for the Packers to gauge reactions from fans and the market before finalizing their plans.
Another possibility is that the Packers could use Rhyan as a trade asset in the offseason if Morgan or Banks outperform expectations. Rhyan’s ability to play center, though only tested in limited scenarios, could make him an attractive target for teams needing to bolster their interior line.
Conclusion: Is Rhyan the Future of the Packers?
Is Sean Rhyan truly a cornerstone of the Packers’ long-term plans, or merely a pawn in Brian Gutekunst’s strategic game? The 2025 season will be pivotal for Rhyan to prove his value, especially amidst fierce competition from young talent and the looming pressure of major contracts. Whether the extension rumors are genuine or a tactical ploy, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Rhyan when the season kicks off.