The Green Bay Packers have long had a knack for striking gold with offensive linemen taken in the later rounds of the draft. It is a testament to their scouting and development process—something that has turned mid-to-late-round picks like David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, Corey Linsley, Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker, and others into reliable starters or even All-Pro talents.
Tom and Walker are the only two from that group still on the roster, and both are slated to become unrestricted free agents in 2026. It is hard to imagine Green Bay allowing both to hit the open market. With each eligible for an early extension this offseason, it could be wise for General Manager Brian Gutekunst to lock up at least one of his starting tackles for the foreseeable future as soon as possible.
The Packers should be motivated to secure Zach Tom for the long haul, and Packers Talk’s Damon Sewell believes they will aim to make him one of the highest-paid right tackles in the NFL.
A Homegrown Talent Stays Home
The Packers have a storied history of turning mid-to-late-round draft picks into offensive line stalwarts, with names like David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, and Corey Linsley headlining a legacy of excellence. Zach Tom, a fourth-round pick in 2022, is the latest gem to emerge from Green Bay’s scouting and development pipeline. His ability to play all five positions on the offensive line, combined with his stellar performance at right tackle—where he finished third in All-Pro voting last season—has made him indispensable to the team’s success.
With Tom and fellow tackle Rasheed Walker both slated to hit unrestricted free agency in 2026, General Manager Brian Gutekunst faced a critical decision this offseason. Letting either player test the open market risked weakening a unit that has been the backbone of Green Bay’s high-powered offense. By locking up Tom with this massive extension, Gutekunst ensures continuity and elite protection for quarterback Jordan Love, who has thrived behind one of the league’s best offensive lines.
The Deal: A Market-Setting Contract
According to industry insiders, Tom’s new contract averages $21 million per year, placing him among the top five highest-paid right tackles in the NFL. While his camp reportedly pushed to reset the market, aiming to approach the four-year, $112 million benchmark set by Detroit Lions star Penei Sewell, the $84 million deal is a significant investment in a player who has proven his worth. Packers Talk’s Damon Sewell, no relation to Penei, predicted this move, emphasizing Tom’s value to the team.
“Zach Tom will get paid! Should have been paid yesterday, and the day before that,” Sewell wrote. “Tom is a top right tackle in the NFL and will likely receive an extension leading up to or during training camp. It’ll be a big contract extension too.”
The timing of the deal couldn’t be better for Green Bay. With $35.5 million in cap space for 2025, per Over the Cap, the Packers had the financial flexibility to secure Tom before his price tag potentially skyrocketed. The four-year commitment keeps Tom in Green Bay through his prime, ensuring stability for an offensive line that will face fierce competition in the NFC North.
Why This Matters for the NFC North
The NFC North is shaping up to be one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions, with the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and Minnesota Vikings all boasting talented rosters. By extending Tom, the Packers are doubling down on their formula for success: a rock-solid offensive line that allows their playmakers to shine. Tom’s versatility and All-Pro-caliber play give Green Bay an edge in trench warfare, a critical factor in divisional matchups.
For the Lions, who have invested heavily in their own offensive line with Penei Sewell, this move signals that Green Bay is ready to match them blow for blow. The Bears, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, and the Vikings, with their own quarterback questions, will now face a Packers line anchored by Tom for the foreseeable future. This extension is a red alert for the division: Green Bay isn’t just reloading—they’re fortifying their roster to maintain supremacy.
What’s Next for the Packers?
With Tom’s deal in the books, attention now turns to Rasheed Walker, the other starting tackle eligible for an extension. While it’s unlikely Green Bay will let both players walk in 2026, securing Tom was the priority due to his elite production and positional flexibility. Walker, a seventh-round pick in 2022, has developed into a reliable left tackle, but his future with the team remains uncertain. Gutekunst may opt to negotiate with Walker next or explore draft options to maintain depth.
The Packers’ cap situation also allows for additional moves in 2025. Whether it’s bolstering the defense or adding weapons for Love, Green Bay has the resources to build a championship contender. For now, though, the focus is on Tom, whose extension is a masterstroke by Gutekunst and a signal that the Packers are all-in on their Super Bowl aspirations.
A Bright Future in Green Bay
Zach Tom’s $84 million deal is more than just a contract—it’s a declaration of intent. The Packers are committed to their homegrown talent, their offensive identity, and their pursuit of another Lombardi Trophy. As training camp approaches, Tom will take the field as the anchor of an offensive line poised to pave the way for Green Bay’s success. For the NFC North, the message is clear: the Packers are coming, and they’re not slowing down.