Cory's Corner: Three Free Agents The Packers Must Re-Sign
A young, solid roster needs stability and that's exactly why the Packers should bring back these three players.

The Green Bay Packers have built their recent success on patience and internal development rather than flashy spending in free agency. The NFL free agency negotiation window opens March 9 and as the Packers approach the 2026 offseason, that philosophy will again be tested. Several contributors are set to hit the market, and the front office will need to balance continuity with the reality of the salary cap. If Green Bay wants to maintain stability around quarterback Jordan Love, three players should be priorities to bring back: Rasheed Walker, Romeo Doubs and Quay Walker.
Rasheed Walker may end up being the most expensive decision of the group, but that doesn’t make it any less necessary. Starting left tackles are among the most valuable commodities in the NFL, and the open market tends to drive their price even higher. Walker is projected to command somewhere in the neighborhood of $19–$20 million dollars per year if he reaches free agency. That number may feel steep, but protecting the quarterback has always been a priority in Green Bay. Walker has developed into a dependable pass protector and has grown within the Packers’ offensive system. Letting him walk would force the team to either overpay another free agent or gamble on an unproven replacement through the draft. Neither option is as appealing as keeping a player who already understands the system and has proven he can handle the job.
Walker’s growth hasn’t gone unnoticed inside the building. Packers coach Matt LaFleur praised the young tackle’s progress, saying, “Rasheed has done a really nice job for us. He’s continued to improve, and you can see the confidence growing every time he’s out there.” For a team that prides itself on developing offensive linemen, Walker represents another success story worth keeping. Walker is ranked as the No. 3 Packers offensive lineman behind Zach Tom and Elgton Jenkins according to Pro Football Focus, but the seventh rounder’s run blocking grades haven’t been consistent.
Romeo Doubs presents a different type of financial decision, but an important one nonetheless. The young receiver has become one of Jordan Love’s most trusted targets, particularly in critical situations. While he may not always produce the flashiest statistics, Doubs consistently shows up on third downs and in the red zone, where reliability matters most. His market value is expected to land somewhere in the $11–$14 million per year range, a reasonable price for a starting receiver in today’s NFL.
The Packers have invested heavily in a young receiving corps, but chemistry between quarterback and receiver is something that can’t simply be replaced overnight. Keeping Doubs in Green Bay would preserve continuity in the passing game and give Love a dependable option as the offense continues to develop. Even though Doubs was given a one-game suspension by the team for skipping practice in Oct. 2024, his role as the best route runner and best hands in the wide receiver room couldn’t be more clear.
“Rome is out there competing and doing everything that we need to see from him,” said LaFleur.
The most complicated decision, however, involves linebacker Quay Walker. The Packers chose not to exercise Walker’s fifth-year option, which would have guaranteed him roughly $14.7 million for the 2026 season. At first glance, that decision raised questions about whether the organization truly sees Walker as a long-term piece of the defense. In reality, declining the option may have simply been a financial strategy. The fifth-year option would have locked Green Bay into a fully guaranteed one-year salary at a high number for the position. By declining it, the Packers gave themselves the flexibility to negotiate a longer-term deal that spreads the cap hit across multiple seasons.
Walker is expected to command something in the $12–$15 million per year range on the open market, which would still make him a significant investment but potentially one that is easier to structure under the cap. More importantly, Walker has developed into one of the defense’s most important players. His speed, range, and physicality allow him to impact both the running and passing game. Replacing that kind of presence in the middle of the defense would be difficult and risky.
The Packers don’t need a dramatic roster overhaul this offseason. What they need is stability. By investing in Rasheed Walker, Doubs, and Quay Walker — even at rising market prices — Green Bay would be committing to the players who already form the backbone of the roster. Sometimes the smartest move in free agency isn’t chasing new talent. It’s making sure the right players never leave.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (34)
GregC
March 07, 2026 at 06:51 am
No mention of Jordan Morgan. He's going to replace Rasheed Walker. The Packers will not need to "overpay another free agent or gamble on an unproven replacement through the draft." Walker's replacement has already been drafted--in the first round.
Romeo Doubs can be replaced too, by a combination of Matthew Golden and Dontayvion Wicks.
Quay Walker is the only one of these three who may have a chance of sticking around. He's not a great player, but there could be a drop-off with Isaiah McDuffie and/or Ty'Ron Hopper replacing him. I think he's not worth the money, and he will be gone.
Guam
March 07, 2026 at 08:48 am
Completely in accord GregC. This is a remarkably myopic article even for this author. Cory never bothers to address the elephant in the room - the Packers don't have the cap space to keep these guys. And he barely addresses the plans to replace two of them with first round draft choices and talented players (Morgan and Golden).
Emotionally I would love to see the Packers keep veterans who have performed reliably for the Packers, but the salary cap has done away with those sentiments. It has become a game of replacement and financial planning.
marpag1
March 08, 2026 at 06:42 am
"Cory never bothers to address the elephant in the room..."
Here at CHTV, Corey IS the elephant in the room... but let's not talk about that.
dobber
March 07, 2026 at 01:46 pm
You're about right, Greg--the calculus has to be made in terms of who's on the depth chart behind these guys. There's a guy ready to step in at LT, and they drafted two WRs high last year anticipating turnover in the WR room.
What can you do with the money in '26 that you don't spend on those guys?...or even one of them? If Quay were to resign at about $10M AAV, my guess is that his cap hit in '26 would be about $5-6M. They could use that money to sign two vets, and then draft a player in a LB-rich draft to compete.
egbertsouse
March 07, 2026 at 06:55 am
A big NO on all three. Especially Walker, who is basically Blake Martinez without the intelligence.
Duneslick
March 07, 2026 at 10:43 am
My guess is that the 4 thumbs down responses are from people that do not understand the salary cap and how managing that is the most important part of fielding a good team
dobber
March 07, 2026 at 01:35 pm
I suspect the downvotes are due to egbert's ongoing reputation on the site.
PackerBackerAZ
March 07, 2026 at 01:54 pm
The most important parts of fielding a good team are the players that are brought in and the coaches to teach them. Hitting on draft picks, free agents and having good coaching is the only way to insure the team will be good. Managing the salary cap is something that every NFL team has to do regardless of how good the team is.
Starrbrite
March 08, 2026 at 02:53 pm
Egbert—exactly. Quay is imo, only a slight better version of Martinez.
marpag1
March 07, 2026 at 06:58 am
Not only is this a big fat "no' on all counts, it's barely even possible given the cap status.
stockholder
March 07, 2026 at 07:23 am
The option here is getting cheaper.
Not fixing issues.
We have players ready to step in.
So I don't see any; as a strategic necessity.
While they give us flexibility and deeper roster.
The projected salaries; put us in a bind.
A bind that stops Gute from pursuing external talent.
Gute's recent signings, didn't help.
I get " Need" is a great way to make bad picks.
Still- nobody believes that these 3 guys
are necessary, to be champions.
mjbrogno
March 07, 2026 at 07:43 am
Ok , Doubs and Q. Walker yes, if possible. Rasheed Walker no way. He graded out at the bottom of the list for a LT. put Morgan at he’s natural position and move on. If Walker is resigned it would be a waste of money.
Since'61
March 07, 2026 at 07:56 am
I think the assumption of this article is that the three players discussed don't want to test the Free Agency market for their skills and experience. However they probably do.
I agree with trying to resign Doubs but I'm not so sure that the Packers need to resign either of the Walkers. Morgan should step in at LT on the Packers OL and at a price much lower than will be required to retain R. Walker. As for Quay Walker the Packers may or may not want to match any FA offers he receives, not to mention that the Packers have younger and less expensive players to take his place.
The first thing today's players want is their second contract with as much guaranteed money as possible. the second thing they want after they get their money is an SB ring. I don't think that the Packers will be able to afford all three of these players given their current salary cap situation. Therefore if I were the Packers I would focus on Doubs who has proven to be a reliable receiver for Love in crucial situations. Thanks, Since '61
crayzpackfan
March 07, 2026 at 07:58 am
This might be the first article I have seen supporting our LT Walker. To be honest, this whole article seems to be strongly butting heads with the general consensus on all 3 of these players. I'm surprised Gary and Jenkins weren't thrown in for good measure. Yikes.
jannesbjornson
March 07, 2026 at 08:31 am
Give them all a gold-plated watch and move on.
lou
March 07, 2026 at 08:37 am
Doubs is the I one would retain, he moves the chains, hand catches, and his best games have been in the playoffs plus our QB has the most trust in him. No way they consider LT Walker because of their cap space and the chance a current #1 pick does not claim a starting job on the offensive line for another season. I would also have made a two year deal with Wilson, he earned it.
Your take on Quay Walker is so far off the norm of NFL scribes, which I have listed below;
Walker is, indeed, very fast and has amassed over 100 tackles in each of his first four NFL seasons. That being said, he still has not mastered diagnosing offensive plays early and oftentimes over-pursues or is out of position because of an incorrect assessment of what is playing out in front of him. Additionally, he is not very good in coverage.
Walker’s struggles in coverage have become a significant liability. According to Pro Football Focus, his coverage grade has declined in each of his four seasons. The 2025 season was his worst yet, as he earned a dismal 44.9 coverage grade, ranking him 70th out of 88 qualifying linebackers. Throughout the season, opposing offenses consistently targeted him in the passing game, exploiting a clear weakness in the middle of the Packers’ defense.
This issue was glaringly apparent in the Packers’ wild-card loss to the Chicago Bears, where Walker allowed seven catches for 105 yards and a touchdown. This performance likely solidified the front office’s concerns and played a role in their decision not to pick up his fifth-year option.
Thegravedigger
March 07, 2026 at 09:39 am
Yes. 3rd And long was a chip shot for teams willing to throw to tight ends over the middle against green bay. It was so frustrating to watch guys make plays on first and second down, only to see quay get burnt over the middle on third.
DougXX57
March 07, 2026 at 09:06 am
let all 3 walk.. Morgan can do the job Walker did last year.. he had a horrible year. then the draft, pick up a few OL people. Dobbs? good, not great and should be able to replace him easy, draft a wr in the 7th. LB Walker, good and not great and easy to find a FA that will not cost 14 M and draft Murdock at LB. OL walker? 20 M Dobbs? 13 M and LB walker? 14 M? nope on all 3.. we drafted to help replace these guys..
Coldworld
March 07, 2026 at 09:09 am
No team can resign everyone. We are barely under the cap as it is, with none of these three counted as their contracts are expiring. Teams have to replace with youth in the NFL unless there is an overwhelming cost benefit not to for an individual player.
In this case, in a sand box I’d keep at least 2 of the 3, but that’s not reality. All 3 look like they will be getting significant money. It will be interesting to see how they do (particularly the Walkers) under different coaches. It’s a thin time of year, but this is an even thinner “argument”.
NFLfan
March 07, 2026 at 09:26 am
Neither of the Walkers will be missed, however, LT remains a huge concern, though, as Jordan Morgan has not played the position in any sustained manner. (Big problem--- but R Walker was less than stellar last season as well)
Romeo Doubs, on the other hand, will be sorely missed, he is Jordan's 'go-to'. And, there are at least 8-9 NFL fan-sites who have already decided Romeo is theirs-Bills, Niners, Saints, Steelers, Broncos, Titans, Giants, Dolphins, etc. When that many teams are clamoring for his services, that tells me something. He'll be snapped up in a nano-second.
dblbogey
March 07, 2026 at 09:30 am
Does Cory watch the games? Rasheed Walker? Really?
Thegravedigger
March 07, 2026 at 09:36 am
They all need to go. I think Corey is fucking with us honestly writing this up. But as for the Jordan Morgan can play left tackle ideA... Says who? He played it one game and gave up three sacks against Minnesota, maybe four. He was okay at right tackle, but we have one of those.
crayzpackfan
March 07, 2026 at 12:28 pm
I had to check and make sure it wasn't April 1st when reading it.
Duneslick
March 07, 2026 at 10:45 am
Does Corey know anything about football or is this a ruse to get responses
dobber
March 07, 2026 at 01:31 pm
I'm saying "yes", but not telling which of your questions I'm saying "yes" to.
Swisch
March 07, 2026 at 10:50 am
It's a good point to give strong consideration to the players we already have before looking for players outside of the organization.
To give a player a big fat second contract, however, is a huge investment. The players who earn that payday have to be not only extraordinary, but difficult to replace.
Also, there has to be enough money to go around. We may have to part with a guy who is worthy of a big second contract simply because there's not enough room under the salary cap.
It may be advisable to let the two Walkers walk away. They may be very good at their positions, but not at the level of extraordinary to justify giving them big money.
Doubs seems to rate as extraordinary, but it's hard to pay him big money when there are so many other promising players at wide receiver. Plus, sad to say, his puffy helmet gives one pause as to whether he can withstand the punishment of the NFL for much longer.
I hope we treat all our guys with dignity, even with appreciation and affection, but we can't keep them all indefinitely.
We have to make some difficult and delicate decisions for the good of the rest of the players on the team, as well as the fans, to put the Packers into position to contend for another title.
Don't let go of our players too easily, yet don't hold onto them too tightly -- the challenge of a GM.
splitpea1
March 07, 2026 at 10:53 am
No, no, and no. All three will require significant investment and we have ready replacements in Golden and Morgan (hopefully). The only real question is Quay, but there are cheaper free agent options available who could probably provide better play. Ready to move forward here....
NFLfan
March 07, 2026 at 11:04 am
Neither Jordan Morgan nor Rasheed Walker are adequate Left Tackles. That issue is of major concern and there is no real solution due resource constraints. The Packers would have replaced R Walker with Morgan half-way through the season if they thought he was serviceable---Walker was not playing well @ that time.
Romeo Doubs will be missed but surveying the multitude of teams who wish to sign him, GB won't be able to compete with what he will be offered in FA. I just hope he chooses the best team, not the team who offers the most $$$.
(I have a soft spot for Romeo and hope the 9ers sign him)
Tedlyflyfisher
March 07, 2026 at 01:26 pm
I’ve been under the assumption that all 3 will be gone given our cap numbers. But I know those numbers can change with renogotiations. The one that I would most like to keep is Doubs. Great hands (I know, except on that onside kick) and the most reliable pass catcher Love has. He’s Mr. 3rd Down! Wicks has shown nothing to say he can replace him, and Golden hasn’t shown enough either. Go Pack, GO!
dobber
March 07, 2026 at 02:02 pm
All three of these guys go. At some point you need to lean into the players you drafted for the future--Morgan, Golden/Williams, Hopper--attend to your other needs, and raise the talent level across the roster. Yes, there're no sure things, there, but they can do more with money they'd spend on any of those three guys to lift the lineups and depth charts than any of the three likely produce in '26.
NFLfan
March 07, 2026 at 02:07 pm
Morgan played LT in one game and did very poorly-he is now the designated LT? Spin control continues
NJMagic
March 07, 2026 at 03:09 pm
What is this Corey?
"importantly, Walker has developed into one of the defense’s most important players.... and passing game."
And passing game???
He is an absolute liability in coverage - so bad, a good DC couldn't even scheme him out of trouble.
No feel.at all for the passing game
Losing Walker may hurt the run defense, but maybe a DT plan + Coop run blitzing can help mitigate
But maybe, just maybe, we now won't see WR and TE running free over the middle or settling into wide open zones on 3rd down.
Let some other team overpay Walker and find me an athletic tackling average ILB/Mike.
NJMagic
March 07, 2026 at 06:18 pm
Or... A cheaper very similar but slightly less athletic noG $ tryout type LB from Indy. ...
[email protected]
March 08, 2026 at 09:54 am
Once again Corey completely misses the mark. Gute has drafted replacements for Doubs, Q Walker has always been a liability in the pass game. and Gute has already stated he felt Morgan played well enough to earn the left tackle spot. So move on as per the Packer way.