5 Packers With The Most To Lose In the Playoffs

4. Quay Walker

The Packers enter the postseason with significant uncertainty surrounding their linebacker corps. Quay Walker, Isaiah McDuffie, and Eric Wilson have carried much of the load this season, but it's become abundantly clear that this trio isn't the long-term solution.

Fortunately, rookie Edgerrin Cooper has emerged as a bright spot. Cooper has shown the playmaking ability and consistency to solidify his place as a full-time starter moving forward.

Ty'Ron Hopper, another rookie, looms as a developmental prospect with intriguing upside. Amid this evolving landscape, Walker’s place in the Packers' future remains a mystery.

Walker will be eligible for a contract extension this offseason, but the Packers are unlikely to explore that option anytime soon. His three-year tenure in Green Bay has been defined by inconsistency.

At times, he flashes the athleticism and instincts that made him a first-round pick in 2022. At others, he struggles with assignments and decision-making, leaving the coaching staff scratching their heads.

Before a late-season injury, Walker was playing some of the best football of his career, showing signs he might finally be putting it all together. Now, the playoffs present a critical opportunity for him to prove he belongs in the Packers' long-term plans. If Walker can return to form and complement Cooper in solidifying the middle of Green Bay’s defense, he’ll give the front office reason to view him as a cornerstone.

The playoffs are not just about winning games for Walker—they’re about showcasing his growth and dependability. A strong showing could quiet the doubts and solidify his role as a key piece of the Packers’ defensive puzzle.

Conversely, another stretch of inconsistent play could leave his future in Green Bay in jeopardy. The stakes couldn’t be higher.