The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is more than a testing ground for rookies; it has become a crucial stage for evaluating veteran players and shaping NFL roster fates. For the Green Bay Packers, this year's combine has spotlighted several key pending free agents, providing critical insight into a pivotal offseason ahead.
According to Zach Kruse of Packers Wire, the buzz from the combine is clear: quarterback Malik Willis and left tackle Rasheed Walker are expected to command significant contracts when free agency opens, while veteran guard Elgton Jenkins' status remains uncertain amid potential trade discussions.
Malik Willis: Emerging as a Premium Backup Quarterback
When the Packers acquired Malik Willis prior to the 2024 season, the expectation was to develop a high-upside backup behind starter Jordan Love. After two seasons, Willis has not only fulfilled but exceeded expectations. He started four games during the 2025 season when Love was sidelined due to injury, demonstrating poise and athleticism that has elevated his league-wide reputation.
Combine reports suggest Willis is poised to receive a substantial contract, reflecting his value as a top-tier backup quarterback and potential bridge starter. While not pegged as a surefire franchise quarterback, Willis offers a rare blend of experience and dynamic playmaking that is scarce in today's NFL landscape.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst faces a familiar dilemma. Retaining such a valuable backup demands considerable salary cap resources, which may exceed what the Packers are willing to allocate behind Jordan Love's already sizeable contract. Willis' free agent market appears robust, and Green Bay may ultimately need to seek a more cost-effective solution at the backup quarterback role, whether through the draft or signing a veteran.
Rasheed Walker: From Late-Round Pick to Franchise Left Tackle
Rasheed Walker's rise from a seventh-round selection in 2022 to the Packers' starting left tackle has been one of the franchise's best development stories in recent memory. Demonstrating durability and consistent elite performance protecting the blind side, Walker has established himself as a vital cornerstone of the offensive line.
The combine chatter confirms Walker's impending free agency will be headline news. He is expected to command a contract averaging well over $20 million per year, potentially resetting the market at the left tackle position for players in his age and experience bracket.
The Packers face a critical offseason negotiation. Letting Walker walk represents a monumental loss, as securing a franchise left tackle is foundational to offensive success. The team holds the franchise tag option, which could buy time toward a long-term deal but carries a significant one-year cap hit. Regardless of the path chosen, re-signing Walker will be the top priority, requiring a historic financial commitment from Green Bay.
Elgton Jenkins: The Salary Cap Puzzle and Potential Trade Candidate
The situation concerning Elgton Jenkins is more complicated. Jenkins, a former multiple-time All-Pro guard and center with the Packers, carries a significant cap hit for 2026. Balancing Walker's looming mega-deal and other financial commitments, the Packers are reportedly evaluating ways to create salary cap flexibility.
Reports from the combine, including those by Zach Kruse, indicate the Packers could explore trading Jenkins before the new league year begins. This move, while difficult given Jenkins' integral role and high-level play, would free substantial cap space--potentially exceeding $20 million.
Trading Jenkins would allow the Packers to pursue Walker's contract more comfortably and accommodate potential offers for Malik Willis. The emergence of younger, cost-controlled linemen such as Sean Rhyan may make Jenkins more expendable on a salary basis, even as his talent remains valuable.
From a fan perspective, such a trade would be bittersweet, marking the departure of a beloved veteran. However, the realities of NFL roster management and salary cap constraints often compel these tough decisions.
The Broader Offseason Outlook
Collectively, the combine's insights crystallize the challenges and opportunities facing Green Bay. The free agency market for Malik Willis and Rasheed Walker is clearly robust, forcing the Packers to make strategic decisions on how to invest at quarterback depth and protect their blind side.
The Jenkins situation adds complexity. Will the Packers restructure, trade, or release the veteran guard to balance their books? The resolution of these intertwined personnel and financial puzzles will define the team's roster construction for the 2026 season.
With the legal tampering period and new league year rapidly approaching, the Packers' front office led by Brian Gutekunst is preparing for what promises to be an intense few weeks of negotiations, potential trades, and contract signings. Their ability to hold on to Rasheed Walker, manage Malik Willis's departure or retention, and decide on Jenkins' fate will be critical markers for Green Bay's future competitiveness.
In sum, the 2026 NFL combine did more than test player speed and agility--it directly foreshadowed pivotal Green Bay offseason moves that will shape the franchise's trajectory for years to come.