People took notice in late May when Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich mentioned that there would be competition to see who would start at both tackle positions this year.
It was already clear that Rasheed Walker and Jordan Morgan would square off for the No. 1 spot at left tackle. At right tackle, though? Zach Tom’s spot?
General manager Brian Gutekunst put to rest any idea that Tom would be in an open competition on Wednesday.
Appearing on Cheesehead TV’s YouTube channel, Gutekunst didn’t directly say that Tom would be the starting right tackle. However, when the hosts asked about contract extensions, Gutekunst confirmed what everyone else believed to be true.
We’ve had really healthy conversations with Zach about locking him up, and certainly that’s something we’d like to do. These things take time and they never happen very quickly. He’s been a really good player for us since the time he got here, done everything right by us, so hopefully we’ll get there soon.
After receiving All-Pro votes in 2024, it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that Tom would be in line to receive a hefty payday this offseason. As the weeks became months with no updates, a little doubt crept in from some pockets of the fanbase. Then Stenavich mentioned trying to find the best five for the offensive line while referencing both tackle spots being up for grabs in May.
We’re going to have a lot of competition there at both tackle positions with trying to find who our best five guys are. … However it shakes out — tackle, right tackle, obviously right guard — there’s a lot of good competition. The guys we’ve added, plus the guys getting older and getting more experience, it’s going to be really interesting to see how this all shakes out.
Competition is great, but hadn’t Tom already proven enough to solidify his spot?
When the hosts mentioned Stenavich’s comments earlier in the offseason to Gutekunst, he smiled and mentioned the Packers are always having competitions before praising Tom’s play, essentially reassuring fans that Tom will be the starter.
The domino effect is where things get interesting, especially regarding who could be in the long-term picture on Green Bay’s offensive line.
Aaron Banks signed a four-year, $77 million deal with $27 million guaranteed this March. Meanwhile, Green Bay used a first-round pick on Jordan Morgan last April and a second-round pick on Anthony Belton this April. Factor all of that in while noting Gutekunst’s desire to get an extension worked out with Tom, and that would put Green Bay at four offensive linemen they’d like to see around for the long haul.
That means questions are looming for starting left tackle Rasheed Walker and starting right guard Sean Rhyan, who are entering contract years, while center Elgton Jenkins is awaiting a new deal after scooting over from left guard.
Green Bay has always been proactive regarding the offensive line. The Packers stay out in front of things and have shown a willingness to draft offensive linemen high, even if it doesn’t look like a position of need.
They used a fourth-round pick on Tom in 2022, who has blossomed into one of the best in the business at right tackle. Letting him play out a contract year and hit the market would be front-office malpractice.
It wasn’t a given that Tom would show up at minicamp. Every year, the desire for a well-earned new deal brings about holdouts. Tom mentioned his preference to be at minicamp regardless of his contract dilemma.
I don’t really think it’ll do me any good to sit out. I’m trying not to worry about the contract situation. I’m just trying to do what’s best for the team. And being here with the guys, I think that’s worth a lot more.
That sounds like someone you’d want around for the years to come, and Gutekunst and Co. are working to get that done.
Everyone can relax. Gutekunst put all those worries to rest on Wednesday. Green Bay can dress it up however they want, even after signing a new contract. The money Tom receives will clearly illustrate that he’s a premier right tackle and not someone who’s competing to keep their starting job.
