Baltimore, MD – May 7, 2025 – The Baltimore Ravens, coming off a quiet yet efficient offseason, could be poised for a blockbuster trade with the Green Bay Packers involving linebacker Quay Walker, a $13 million defender whose fifth-year option was recently declined by Green Bay, according to Last Word on Sports’ Anthony Palacios.
The Ravens, already boasting a talented roster, made strategic additions this offseason, signing wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, and offensive lineman Joe Noteboom while re-signing star left tackle Ronnie Stanley. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected safety Malaki Starks and edge-rusher Mike Green, enhancing a team ready to contend. However, the loss of inside linebacker Malik Harrison to the Pittsburgh Steelers has left a gap in their linebacker unit, prompting interest in Walker.
Green Bay’s decision to decline Walker’s fifth-year option makes him a trade candidate as he enters the final year of his rookie deal in 2025, with a cap hit of $4 million. Palacios suggests the Ravens as a logical fit, noting, “It’s hard to imagine Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy carrying this linebacker unit alone.” Walker could be an upgrade over Trenton Simpson and Tavius Robinson, particularly in run defense and pass-rushing.
Walker, a 2022 first-round pick out of Georgia, has been a tackling machine, recording over 100 tackles in each of his three NFL seasons. In 2024, he tallied 102 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. While his run-defense and pass-rush grades are above average, his coverage struggles are notable, with a 2024 PFF coverage grade of 48.8, ranking 137th among 189 qualified linebackers.
In Baltimore, Walker could compete with Simpson for a starting inside linebacker role alongside Smith. His superior run defense and pass-rush ability make him a potential asset, despite his coverage limitations. The Ravens, with limited cap space, can manage Walker’s $4 million cap hit, gaining a chance to evaluate him before free agency in 2026.
For the Packers, trading Walker could yield draft capital to further their roster rebuild, especially with young linebackers like Edgerrin Cooper and UDFA Jamon Johnson emerging. This potential trade could benefit both teams, giving Baltimore a defensive boost and Green Bay assets to address other needs as they aim for a 2025 playoff push.
