Green Bay Packers Offensive Tackle Rasheed Walker's Career Trajectory and Legal Challenges
Rasheed Walker serves as a crucial left tackle for the Green Bay Packers, having been selected by the team in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft as the 249th overall pick. The Penn State alumnus has earned recognition as a two-time Third-team All-Big Ten recipient, standing at an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighing 324 pounds.
A Shift in Pregame Mentality and Contract Projections
In February 2024, Walker made a significant change to his pregame routine, transitioning from a state of overthinking to one of relaxation before each contest. "I used to do too much," Walker revealed to NFL Network's Mike Spofford in 2024. "I used to overthink a lot, be studying a lot before the game, and trying to do a bunch of pass sets. It got to a point I just didn't do [anything]. I'd just sit in my locker until the game and not listen to music. Just chill, relax."
This improved mental approach, which began during the 2023 season, coincides with promising financial forecasts for his future. Walker is projected to command a substantial contract worth approximately $20 million per year when he enters free agency in 2026 as an unrestricted free agent. This marks a significant increase from his rookie contract signed in 2022, which was valued at $3.74 million, featuring an average annual salary of $935,218 and including an $80,872 signing bonus.
Market Value Analysis and Comparative Insights
According to analysis by Austin Gayle of The Ringer, Walker's market value is bolstered by his consistent performance and durability. Gayle points to the example of Dan Moore Jr., who secured a four-year, $82 million deal with the Tennessee Titans despite having played over 1,000 snaps with inferior production compared to Walker. "Walker has played 900-plus snaps at left tackle in three consecutive seasons and isn't a liability in pass protection," Gayle explained. "That makes him one of the most valuable free agents on the market, even if he isn't an elite tackle or an impactful run blocker. Plenty of teams desperately need serviceable tackle play, and Walker can provide that and is still well within his athletic prime."
At 25 years old, Walker is positioned to easily clear the $20 million annual threshold on the open market, given his proven track record and the high demand for reliable offensive linemen in the NFL.
Legal Complications: Airport Arrest and Weapon Charges
However, Walker's professional prospects have been complicated by a recent legal incident. On the morning of January 23, 2026, he was arrested at LaGuardia Airport in New York after attempting to check a bag containing a handgun and ammunition. Reports from The New York Post by Kyle Schnitzer, Larry Celona, David DeTurris, and Anna Young detail that Walker informed a Delta Air Lines employee about the presence of a locker box with his 9mm Glock pistol in his luggage.
Port Authority police responded to Terminal C, where they discovered the firearm along with 36 rounds of ammunition in a locked case. As a result, Walker faces serious legal charges, including two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm.
Legal Defense and Court Proceedings
Walker's attorney, Arthur Aidala, has stated that the firearm was legally licensed in Wisconsin, where Walker is based for his football career. "It was in a locked box," Aidala explained. "And he disclosed it to the people at the airport. He told a person from Delta he was traveling with a firearm. He mistakenly thought because he had a licensed firearm and it was in a locked box that he was able to travel with it. We are confident the case will be dismissed."
Following his arrest, Walker appeared in Queens County Criminal Court on the gun charge and was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to return to court on March 19 for further proceedings, adding a layer of uncertainty to his otherwise promising career trajectory.
This situation highlights the intersection of professional athletic success and personal legal challenges, as Walker navigates both the potential for a lucrative contract in 2026 and the immediate ramifications of his arrest. His story underscores the importance of legal awareness for athletes, even as they focus on performance and career advancement in the competitive world of the NFL.
