Gary Davenport of NBC Sports confirms that it's highly likely the Packers will re-sign the $116 million worth of free agents in the upcoming offseason.

March 5, 2026

The Green Bay Packers are entering one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent memory, with several key players slated to become unrestricted free agents. Among them, two are expected to receive significant attention on the open market, despite the Packers’ comfort in letting them go.

Malik Willis and Rasheed Walker: Two Major Free-Agent Questions

According to league sources, backup quarterback Malik Willis and left tackle Rasheed Walker have both caught the eye of analysts and teams in need of impact players. Willis ranks 6th in The Athletic’s free-agent rankings, while Walker sits at number 12.

However, Packers fans are increasingly concerned that the potential new deals for both players could end up being risky ventures for their future teams. According to Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report, both players are poised to become "potential busts" for the teams that sign them.

Why Malik Willis May Fail

Starting with Malik Willis, Davenport points out the quarterback’s limited experience and inconsistent performance before joining Green Bay.

“While Willis did shine in his three starts for the Packers, his time as a starter in Tennessee told a different story. However, those were just a handful of instances, and his best performances came when he played for one of the most stable teams in the league,” Davenport wrote.

Willis has made just six starts in his NFL career, recording a 3-3 record. Two of those wins came during his time with Green Bay in the 2024 season. Davenport also expressed concerns about his future trajectory.

“It’s likely that the next team to sign this Liberty University graduate won’t be as stable. The offense may not be as good, and the coaching may not be the same," Davenport continued.

“If Willis regresses back to his poor form from his time in Nashville, this could be the biggest free-agent flop of 2026.”

Despite these uncertainties, quarterback positions are expected to be in high demand this offseason. As a result, Willis is projected to receive a contract worth around $35.5 million per year for his next deal.

That’s a high price tag for a quarterback with relatively little starting experience.

Why Rasheed Walker May Fail

Meanwhile, Walker could serve as a cautionary tale for a team overpaying for offensive line help this season.

Davenport pointed to the previous year when the Tennessee Titans handed former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Dan Moore Jr. a contract worth over $20 million per year.

“At 26 years old, Walker is entering his prime. And by most accounts, he’s a better pass protector than Moore,” Davenport wrote. “But Walker has been a liability in run blocking so far in his career, and the fact is that while he may be a good tackle, he’s not yet an elite one.”

“That won’t stop some NFL teams from offering him a massive contract – and two years down the line, they’ll be wondering why they did so.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Walker posted an overall grade of 64.6 in 2025, ranking 52nd among 89 eligible offensive linemen. His pass-blocking grade was 70.0 (41st), while his run-blocking grade was 55.4 (71st). He also allowed five sacks on the season and was penalized nine times.

Despite this, the demand for offensive tackles across the league remains high.

As a result, Walker’s market value is projected at $20.3 million per year, with a potential four-year deal worth $81.1 million.

Whether a team is willing to invest such a significant amount remains to be seen.

Uncertainty Ahead for Both Players

For the Packers, these two free-agent decisions represent a calculated risk. With the team facing a salary cap issue of about $4-$6 million, the franchise may be looking to clear space to re-sign key players like Jordan Love, Rashan Gary, and Christian Watson, as well as strengthen the roster in other areas.

Though the Packers may not be bringing back these players, their departures could significantly impact the team’s future. Whether or not Willis or Walker will live up to their projected contracts remains uncertain. For now, Packers fans must watch as these two talented but risky free agents look for new homes this offseason.