The Packers Have Tough Decisions to Make Next Offseason on Two Key Players

The Green Bay Packers declined to utilize the fifth-year option on Eric Stokes this week, marking the second straight season they opted not to use the fifth-year option on a first-round pick. The previous year, they chose not to sign quarterback Jordan Love to the fifth-year option but instead signed him to a two-year, incentive-laden bridge deal.

Next offseason, GM Brian Gutekunst will have two former first-round picks to decide on and as of now, both of their futures remain up in the air. How Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt play this season will likely determine whether they get a one-year, fifth-year option deal a year from now.

Walker became an instant starter in his rookie year of 2022. He led the Packers with 121 total tackles that season, recorded 1.5 sacks, broke up seven passes and forced three fumbles. He was also ejected from two games for hitting a practice squad player and a trainer after the whistle. In his second season, discipline was no longer a significant issue.

In 2023, Walker had a pick-six, 2.5 sacks and 118 total tackles while playing in 14 games. He also broke up three passes and had seven tackles for loss.

The thing about Walker is that while he makes a lot of tackles, he has yet to become a game changing playmaker. Walker has the tools to excel. He has good speed, can blitz the passer, and understands the game. But he has yet to put it all together on a consistent basis.

Pro Football Focus gave Walker average grades across the board with his highest grade coming against the run. Still, he was not outstanding or terrible in any one area, be it pass coverage, run defense or rushing the passer.

Perhaps the switch to a four man front under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will help Walker take his game to the next level. Hafley’s defense should be more aggressive than Joe Barry’s and this may play more to Walker’s strengths.

If Walker plays well this season, he has a good chance of having the team pick up his fifth-year option. If he struggles, he may not get a second contract in Green Bay.

Wyatt was selected six picks after Walker. The pair were college teammates at the University of Georgia. Unlike Walker, Wyatt did not immediately become a starter on defense. He played in 16 games as a rookie but didn’t start any. Wyatt was on the field for just 23 percent of the team’s defensive snaps as part of the team’s defensive line rotation.

Wyatt recorded 1.5 sacks, forced a fumble, and broke up a pass while making 15 total tackles in 2022.

Last season, Wyatt officially started five of the team’s 17 games and was on the field for 50 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. He recorded 36 total tackles and 5.5 sacks and made his first career NFL fumble recovery.

Wyatt showed more promise as a pass rusher. His PFF grade as a pass rusher was one of the better marks among interior linemen. His run defense, however, graded out as poor. It’s something he will need to work on if he wants to assume a bigger role on defense and become an every-down player and full-time starter.

Still, finding players who can provide pass rush from the interior line has value and that may be enough to make the Packers keep Wyatt around another year.

Players who sign the fifth-year option play on a one-year contract that is fully guaranteed. There is no signing bonus or incentives to earn. The salary is usually fairly high and is based on the position each individual plays.

How both these players perform in 2024 will go a long way towards determining whether Gutekunst decides to sign them for a fifth-year option. It’s up to Walker and Wyatt to earn their next contract in Green Bay.