The Packers previously exercised Quay Walker’s fifth-year option, but it sure sounds like the linebacker’s future in Green Bay will last well beyond the 2026 season.

During a recent appearance on CheeseHeadTV, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst revealed that the team is in the midst of long-term contract talks with Walker, and are bullish on his upside from here.

“My expectations are really, really high [for Walker],” Gutekunst said in his interview with Aaron Nagler and Corey Behnke. “The only reason we didn’t do the fifth-year option is a lot of the outside linebackers are calculated into that number, so it didn’t make a lot of sense. We’re going down that road with him [to negotiate an extension], as well to see if we can make that happen as well.”

Packers Optimistic About Quay Walker’s Future

Walker, 25, has posted 341 total tackles since being chosen by the Packers No. 22 overall, out of Georgia, in the 2022 NFL Draft.

According to Pro Football Focus, Walker’s 14 quarterback pressures ranked 16th in the NFL, highlighting a big part of the 6-foot-4 and 241-pound linebacker’s skill set.

Set to count $14.75 million against the cap this upcoming season, the Packers can lower Walker’s cap number this season by agreeing to terms on a long-term contract extension.

Last season, Walker suffered an ankle injury late in the season, but still managed 102 tackles with two sacks in 13 games. Gutekunst belives Wakler’s best football remains in front of him.

“We’ve been bullish on Quay since he got here,” Gutekunst added. “He’s played a lot of really, really good football for us and we think his best football is still in front of him. Just a consummate pro, does everything the right way. Has a level of toughness and focus that our defense needs.”