Packers Ponder Tag‑and‑Trade for Key Tackle

The Green Bay Packers are short on money before the 2026 season starts, with only a little over $4 million above the cap. They don’t have many players they feel forced to keep, so their roster moves are flexible. One player in focus is Rasheed Walker, the team’s left tackle for three years. He could be released next March if the Packers decide to let him go. That would free up space and give them a chance to find a better deal. A CBS Sports writer, Jonathan Jones, suggests an unusual move: tag Walker and then trade him. A franchise tag would lock him into a big salary—around $27 million for one year. The transition tag would be slightly less, about $25 million.The Packers are known for careful spending. Paying Walker that amount would be a big hit to their budget, and the trade would need extra value. Typically, they would only get a third‑round pick for Walker if traded. To make the deal worthwhile, another team would have to offer a second‑round pick or more. Some insiders think the idea is unlikely. One source said the general manager might not want to tag Walker, and finding a buyer at that price is tough. Still, the possibility exists if another team values Walker highly enough. Walker's projected market value is over $20 million a year, according to Spotrac. If the Packers tag him, they’ll be paying more than that estimate. The trade would need to bring in a pick worth at least the same value. In short, the Packers could tag and trade Walker to get draft capital back. It would be a bold move that might pay off if the right partner is found.