Pundits came into 2026 NFL free agency expecting a big payday for left tackle Rasheed Walker.
But that hasn’t happened. Teams that were obvious potential landing spots, such as the Cleveland Browns, went in different directions.
That could be great news for the Detroit Lions, who are potentially still in the tackle market this offseason.
On Friday, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell argued Walker’s best bet would probably be to re-sign with the Green Bay Packers. But as far as other teams go, Barnwell named the Lions the best fit for Walker.
“The Lions released Taylor Decker earlier this offseason, leaving a hole at left tackle. Detroit could move star right tackle Penei Sewell to the left side, where he played at Oregon, but there’s something to be said for keeping a superstar in the position where he has excelled,” Barnwell wrote. “Remember that Lane Johnson was a star left tackle in his final year at Oklahoma, but he has stuck on the right side for the Eagles as a pro.
“A one-year deal with the Lions would give Walker a shot at proving himself in a great offense. Two games against the Packers wouldn’t hurt, either.”
Walker is not only the best left tackle still on the market, The Athletic’s Daniel Popper and NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal both have him rated as the top-ranked overall player still unsigned in free agency.
Before free agency started, Popper projected Walker to be worth $82 million on a 4-year contract.
Could Lions Target Left Tackle Rasheed Walker?
Walker went from seventh-round pick to potential big-time free agent in the matter of a few years. That’s what 48 starts at left tackle can do in the NFL.
The Packers drafted Walker at No. 249 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. While he appeared in just one contest as a rookie, Walker then started 15 games in his second season.
He started at left tackle for the Packers the past three seasons.
Green Bay is potentially moving on this offseason because of cap constraints. The Packers also selected offensive tackle Jordan Morgan at No. 25 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Without Walker on the roster, Morgan can finally play his most natural position in 2026 — left tackle.
Walker isn’t an All-Pro candidate going forward. But he’s a serviceable starter. Those types don’t become available at left tackle very often, which is why Popper and other pundits predicted a robust market for the 26-year-old.
“Walker is an athletic big man with good movement skills. He has quick lateral feet to shut down wide angles and steer rushers wide. His active hands in pass protection make up for a less-than-ideal anchor,” Popper wrote. “He relies on his upper-body strength in this phase. Walker fires off the ball in the run game and is a powerful player when he gets his momentum moving forward.
“A seventh-round pick in 2022, Walker has made 48 starts at left tackle over the past three seasons. He is the best tackle in this year’s free-agent class.”
As Barnwell mentioned, the Lions released Taylor Decker this offseason. Detroit possesses one of the best right tackles in the league with Penei Sewell, who could flip to left tackle.
But if the Lions prefer to keep Sewell at right tackle, Walker is an obvious fit.
Why Walker Remains Unsigned in 2026 NFL Free Agency
ESPN’s Adam Schefter explained on ESPN Milwaukee the lack of teams needing a left tackle this offseason likely suppressed Walker’s market.
It’s also possible that teams, such as the Lions, are trying to avoid doing what the Tennessee Titans did last year.
In 2025 free agency, the Titans signed left tackle Dan Moore to a 4-year, $82 million contract. Similar to Walker, Moore was an ex-Day 3 pick (fourth rounder) who entered free agency as a serviceable starter.
According to Pro Football Focus, though, Moore performed as the No. 44 offensive tackle among 58 who played at least half his team’s snaps in 2025. Despite being a below average left tackle, Moore is set to have at least a $22 million cap hit each of the next three seasons.
It’s possible that situation has hurt Walker’s market.
Regardless of the reason, Schefter argued the former Packers left tackle is “now going to look at a 1-year deal.”
With that lowering the risk considerably, the Lions should become interested. They could bring in Walker for 2026, giving themselves a year to develop a long-term left tackle solution.
If Walker performs strongly, the Lions could always reverse course and keep the left tackle.
After the way his free agency has gone, Walker could potentially have a chip on his shoulder next season. It’s always a good idea to have those types of players.
The biggest negative with Walker from Detroit’s perspective is he’s better in pass protection than run blocking.
Not that the Lions don’t need to offer quarterback Jared Goff better protection next season. But Detroit’s other offseason moves suggest the team is trying to get back to its physical running game.
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