Last week, two big contract extensions in the NFL got everyone’s attention. For the Green Bay Packers, these deals are a roadmap for their own offseason negotiations. The Los Angeles Rams’ Alaric Jackson and the Buffalo Bills’ Khalil Shakir both signed new deals that will impact the Packers at two key positions: left tackle and wide receiver.
Why Alaric Jackson’s Deal Matters for Rasheed Walker
Alaric Jackson, the Rams’ young left tackle, signed a 3 year, $57 million deal with $35 million guaranteed. He’s one of the highest paid OL in the league. His average annual salary of $19 million is crazy for a guy who’s been a starter for about 2.5 years and hasn’t made a Pro Bowl.
For the Packers, this sets a precedent for their own left tackle situation. Rasheed Walker, a 7th round pick, has been the starting left tackle since Week 2 of the 2023 season after David Bakhtiari’s injury issues continued. Walker has started 22 of the Packers 23 regular season games over the last 2 seasons. He’s proven himself to be a reliable guy on the OL.
What This Means for Green Bay
If the Packers want to keep Walker long term, they’ll need to be willing to offer him a deal in the range of Jackson’s $19 million per year. That’s a lot for a guy drafted late and hasn’t proven to be an elite tackle. But if the Packers aren’t willing to pay up, now is the time to start developing his replacement. A year of development will ease the transition if Walker walks in free agency after 2025.
Khalil Shakir’s Extension and What It Means for Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs
Shakir’s Breakout Deal
Khalil Shakir, the Bills’ 2022 draft pick, just signed a 4 year, $60.2 million extension . Not a household name yet, but Shakir has quietly put up some solid numbers: 125 REC 1,593 YDS 7 TD over his first 2 seasons. His deal sets the bar for receivers with similar production and draft history.
Watson and Doubs in the Spotlight
For the Packers, Shakir’s contract gives us a look at what Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs might get if they hit free agency healthy in 2026. Both were 2022 draft picks and have flashed:
- Christian Watson: 98 REC 1,653 YDS 14 TD —but with knee and hamstring injuries.
- Romeo Doubs: 147 REC 1,700 YDS 15 TD —but with concussion concerns.
While their production matches or surpasses Shakir’s, their injury history could complicate things. If the Packers won’t match Shakir’s $15 million per year average, it might be time to start developing younger guys at the position.
Leave a Reply