The Green Bay Packers have a strong history of finding offensive line talent in the later rounds of the draft, a credit to their effective scouting and player development. This approach has helped turn lesser-known draft picks like David Bakhtiari, Josh Sitton, Corey Linsley, Zach Tom, and Rasheed Walker into dependable starters or even All-Pro players.
Currently, Tom and Walker are the only members of that group still on the team, and both are set to become unrestricted free agents in 2026. It’s unlikely the Packers will let both walk, making it a smart move for GM Brian Gutekunst to secure at least one of them—especially Zach Tom—with a contract extension soon.
There’s growing momentum for the Packers to commit to Tom long-term. Damon Sewell of Packers Talk expects Green Bay to make Tom one of the highest-paid right tackles in the league.
“Zach Tom should have already been paid—days ago,” Sewell said. “He’s among the NFL’s best at his position and is expected to receive a sizable extension before or during training camp.”
Sewell suggested Tom’s new contract could be close to \$21 million per year, potentially landing him a four-year, \$84 million deal—just shy of the record-setting \$112 million extension Penei Sewell received.
Tom brings versatility, having played all five offensive line positions, and he recently finished third in All-Pro voting among right tackles. His camp may aim to push the market higher with this next deal. With \$35.5 million in projected cap space for 2025 (per Over the Cap), the Packers are in a strong financial position to make the extension happen—and doing so promptly would be a wise decision.