Packers must extend “most important lineman” before it’s too late

The Green Bay Packers must make protecting Jordan Love on the offensive line their top priority, both in 2024 and beyond.

While the Green Bay Packers are reportedly still looking for reinforcements in that regard, there is one offensive lineman they don’t have to worry about: 25-year-old tackle Zach Tom. That is, assuming the Packers take care of it and extend Tom’s contract after the upcoming season.

Preparing and executing a contract extension for Tom, the Packers’ 2022 fourth-round pick out of Wake Forest, should be at the top of Green Bay’s to-do list, according to a recent report from Zone Coverage’s Felipe Reis.

“Tom was arguably Green Bay’s best offensive lineman in 2023, but schematically he is undeniably the most important lineman for the Packers,” Reis said.

“Tom has already proven he is a starter in Green Bay for the foreseeable future. In over 952 career pass-blocking snaps, he has allowed just three sacks and six quarterback hits. The Packers will extend Tom’s contract unless he slows down, and it’s smart of Green Bay to do so as soon as possible. Because the Packers drafted Tom in 2022, they cannot extend him until after the 2024 season.”

“Tom is entering the final year of his rookie contract next season. Green Bay could let him play out his contract and negotiate an extension immediately before the 2026 free agent entry. That could be risky, however, as the salary cap increases each offseason and NFL contracts get larger.”

Tom has proven to be one of the best young linemen in the entire National Football League, and the Packers need to look to extend his contract. Doing so early in the 2025 offseason also gives Green Bay’s front office clarity on the remaining salary cap space.

How much is Tom expected to demand on the market? The Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently signed their own 25-year-old tackle Tristan Wirfs to a five-year, $140 million deal.

Tom certainly deserves an extension in the same area.

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