In the world of football, tough decisions are always looming for team management, especially when it comes to players who show flashes of potential but aren’t guaranteed to live up to the hype. For the Green Bay Packers, General Manager Brian Gutekunst has found himself facing such a decision regarding the fifth-year options of two 2022 first-round picks: linebacker Quay Walker and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. With both players coming off what is being regarded as their best season in 2024, the question on everyone’s mind is: will Gutekunst pull the trigger and exercise the fifth-year options for these young talents, or will the Packers look for a different route?
Here’s what we know: Walker, who was drafted 22nd overall in 2022, and Wyatt, picked right behind him at 28th, have shown significant improvements. Gutekunst didn’t explicitly say the team would use their fifth-year options in his post-season address, but he left the door wide open, hinting at the possibility. The deadline to make a decision is May 1 of this year, and it's not a choice that comes lightly—using the options would guarantee millions of dollars in salary for 2026. On the flip side, if they opt not to use them, both players would enter their contract years in 2025, putting them in an uncertain position.
So, what’s the scoop on their 2024 seasons that’s got Gutekunst so excited? Let’s dive into the details. Walker had a solid campaign, playing in 13 games and finishing as the team’s leader in tackles with a whopping 102. This marked his third consecutive season with 100 or more tackles, a strong indication of his consistency and work ethic. He also set a career-high with nine tackles for loss and notched 2.5 sacks, demonstrating that he’s more than just a tackler. Meanwhile, Wyatt appeared in 14 games and impressed with 32 pressures—ranking third on the Packers defense in this category despite only playing 247 pass-rushing snaps. His ability to generate pressure from the interior is definitely a bright spot for the team.
At his season-ending press conference, Gutekunst couldn’t contain his enthusiasm about both players. He was “super fired up” about their performance, stating that Walker had “continued to make a leap” and that his leadership was invaluable. Even though Walker battled through some injury setbacks at the end of the year, Gutekunst praised his resilience and impact on the field. As for Wyatt, the GM couldn’t have been more positive, calling him “probably our most consistent pass rusher from the inside this year.” Both players seemed to have had their best professional seasons, and Gutekunst made it clear that he’d love to keep both around for the long haul.
Now, let’s talk dollars and cents. If the Packers decide to use the fifth-year option on Walker, they’ll be on the hook for a hefty $16.06 million in 2026. As for Wyatt, his price tag would come in at $13.1 million for the same year. That’s nearly $30 million in guaranteed money for two players who, while showing promise, still have areas of their game that could be considered works in progress. The risk here is tangible. If either Walker or Wyatt doesn't develop into the top-tier players the Packers hope they can become, the team could be locked into a significant financial commitment for 2026, a season that could ultimately prove to be underwhelming.
However, there is also the fear of letting these guys go and having them explode into stars for another team. Imagine Walker or Wyatt breaking out in 2025 and the Packers being stuck without them, unable to control their salary through 2026. That’s the kind of risk Gutekunst is trying to balance, and it’s not an easy one.
Here’s where things get even more interesting: the Packers’ recent history with fifth-year options is a bit of a mixed bag. A few years ago, they exercised the option on safety Darnell Savage, only for him to disappoint in his final season before leaving for free agency. On the other hand, last year, the Packers decided against using the option on cornerback Eric Stokes, a move that now looks quite smart considering Stokes was relegated to a part-time role in 2024 and is likely on his way out this offseason. These contrasting examples only add more complexity to the decision facing Gutekunst.
There’s also the potential for a third option: declining the fifth-year option for one or both of these players but working out short-term contract extensions that would give both the Packers and the players more flexibility. That’s the strategy the team employed with quarterback Jordan Love, a first-round pick in the 2020 draft. Love had his option declined, but the Packers didn’t close the door completely—they negotiated a deal that helped both sides. It’s a strategy that could work here too, allowing the Packers to keep their options open without committing to multi-million-dollar guarantees in 2026.
Ultimately, Gutekunst has a lot to consider. On one hand, both Walker and Wyatt have shown promise, and locking them in for an additional year could be a wise move if they continue their upward trajectory. On the other hand, the financial commitment that comes with these fifth-year options is not something to take lightly, especially for players who, despite their potential, haven’t consistently proven themselves to be cornerstones of the franchise just yet.
The stakes are high, and the Packers’ decision will have a significant impact on the team’s future. Do they commit millions in guaranteed salary to two players who still have something to prove? Or do they take a more cautious approach, opting for flexibility and potentially exploring other contract options down the line? The clock is ticking, and the decision must be made by May 1.
In the end, it will come down to whether Gutekunst and the Packers’ front office believe that Walker and Wyatt are truly ready to take the next step and become the long-term building blocks they envision. It’s a decision that could shape the Packers’ defensive future for years to come—and one that fans and analysts alike will be watching closely.
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