Packers offensive lineman Rasheed Walker said on Monday (via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky) that he will start at left tackle in Week 1.
In training camp, Walker battled 2024 first-rounder Jordan Morgan for the right to protect Jordan Love‘s blind side this season. Walker, a two-year incumbent, long seemed to have a lead over his younger teammate, who only played guard in his six appearances before shoulder surgery ended his season.
Walker, a 2022 seventh-round pick, took over for an injured David Bakhtiari in his second season and held onto the left tackle job through 2024. However, the Packers’ selection of Morgan – a standout left tackle at the University of Arizona – indicated that Walker may not be Green Bay’s long-term solution on the blind side.
Walker will retain his job heading into the final year of his rookie contract, but an extension does not seem like a certainty. The Packers spent significant money on left guard Aaron Banks and right tackle Zach Tom this year and may not want to foray into an ever-growing left tackle market. They also added two left tackle prospects in Morgan and Anthony Belton across the last two drafts.
However, with neither of the younger tackles emerging as a more capable starter this summer, Walker will retain his job with the hopes of playing his way into a massive raise, either from the Packers or another team.
What becomes of Jordan Morgan then?
Both seemed capable as starters, so he’ll start the season as a super sub since he knows four spots on the o-line. There’s a chance Banks isn’t good to go for week 1 too.
Rasheed is a free agent after this year. He’ll likely be gone. Morgan will still have 3 more years after this season on his contract likely meaning he’s the starter moving forward. Green Bay always plans ahead. They did the same with Marco Rivera years ago. Sat 2 years then was the starter for damn near 8 years. Packer way. Likely many other examples
Lol, and A-Rod and Love sat.
This is not a surprise at all. But I would also expect to see some kind of a rotation. They‘re priming Morgan to take that spot next year, while being 6th man this year. Walker will get a 3rd round comp next year, Walker will get a 4th, Rhyan will get a 4-5th, Doubs and Watson another 4-5th.
Gute knows what he‘s doing.
They’ve all been replaced already too…Morgan, Hopper, Belton, and Golden/Williams, respectively, will all be starters next year.
Well it’s not everyday a 7th rd pick is asked to protect a $220MM investment. Gutsy move by LaFleur who will look like a genius if it works but get plenty of criticism if it doesn’t.
He’s been a solid LT for two years. He will be fine. I’m sure Hutch will get some extra attention. They certainly don’t have anyone else capable of getting to the QB
Good luck with Hutch week 1