The Green Bay Packers are confronting a critical offseason as several coaches have left their staff, creating uncertainty that will soon affect the roster when free agency begins on March 11. With a current salary cap deficit of around $4 million, the Packers are under pressure to clear space while deciding the futures of important players like Rasheed Walker free agency looms.
Walker, who serves as the Packers’ left tackle, appears increasingly likely to depart as the team struggles to balance its payroll. Industry sources point to the Browns as a prominent contender looking to acquire Walker, raising concerns in Green Bay as the free agency window approaches.
Cleveland Browns Emerge as Top Contenders for Rasheed Walker
The Cleveland Browns have pressing needs to strengthen their offensive line, especially with key linemen such as Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic, and Teven Jenkins also set to become free agents. Their urgency is compounded by a poor performance last season, as the Browns ranked seventh worst in the league in sacks allowed, conceding 51 sacks.
Recently appointed Browns head coach Todd Monken, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Ravens, has prioritized rebuilding the team’s trenches. Given Walker’s steady development into a reliable starter after being selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he is a logical target to fill this critical gap.
Walker has demonstrated consistent durability and protection skills over the last three seasons, starting 48 games in Green Bay and providing a key shield for quarterback Jordan Love. While his run-blocking has room for improvement, Walker’s Pro Football Focus grades indicate a solid baseline performance:
In 2023, he earned an overall grade of 66.4, ranking 42nd out of 84 tackles, improving to 68.4 in 2024 (41st out of 81), before settling at 64.6 in 2025 (52nd out of 89). His pass-block grades were robust, standing at 74.1 in 2023, 79.6 in 2024, and 70.0 in 2025, placing him among the upper half of NFL tackles. However, his run-block grades declined, from 57.9 in 2023 to 54.1 in 2024 and 55.4 in 2025, signaling room for growth on that front.
Financial Outlook and Impact on Green Bay’s Roster Decisions
Walker’s projected salary in free agency is expected to reach approximately $20.2 million annually, making him the highest-valued offensive lineman entering the market, with estimates predicting a four-year contract worth about $81 million. At 26 years old, Walker’s age and position on the field contribute to his high market value, enticing several teams to compete for his services.
However, the Packers face tight financial constraints and must weigh options carefully as other key players including Romeo Doubs, Quay Walker, and Kingsley Enagbare are also due for potential new deals. This creates a dilemma about which players to retain and which the team may need to let go. Should the Browns or another team offer Walker a deal in line with market expectations, his tenure in Green Bay may come to an end.
NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe has flagged the Browns as a team to monitor closely for signing Walker. For the Packers, the upcoming weeks will be pivotal in determining the composition of their offensive line and overall roster heading into the next season.
The Cleveland Browns are a team “to keep an eye on” to sign FA OT Rasheed Walker, per @CameronWolfe. pic.twitter.com/uPBymkYKnB
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) February 21, 2026
