Packers Reward Tackle Zach Tom with Exciting Four-Year Contract Extension

The Green Bay Packers have officially signed right tackle Zach Tom to a four-year extension worth $88 million. This information comes from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Tom, now 26, played a crucial role on the team after being drafted in the fourth round from Wake Forest in 2022. He exhibited versatility as a rookie, playing nearly every offensive line position before firmly establishing himself as a right tackle.

His new deal can reach a maximum of $92 million, featuring a remarkable $30.2 million signing bonus. This bonus is the largest for any offensive lineman in NFL history, surpassing the previous record held by fellow Packers’ player, David Bakhtiari.

Green Bay often structures contracts to include large signing bonuses rather than guarantees. This approach helps address players’ immediate financial needs. While this method is common for the team, it means that Tom’s guaranteed money may stay at $30.2 million, which puts him slightly below some of his peers.

This extension marks a significant recognition of Tom’s growth into one of the best right tackles in the league. His average per year value of $22 million ranks fourth among right tackles and ties him for ten among all offensive linemen. Pro Football Focus even rated him as the sixth-best tackle in the league for 2024.

Meanwhile, this signing increases pressure on the Packers regarding Elgton Jenkins’ contract. Jenkins, who has played various positions on the line, is expected to transition to center. He has asked for modifications to his current deal, which runs through 2026 and features a hefty cap hit of $24.8 million.

The Packers face a challenging decision. The highest cap hit for a center in 2025 is less than Jenkins’ current hit, which may make his deal untenable. Green Bay’s typical strategy could complicate things, as adding guarantees might be difficult for Jenkins.

Additionally, left tackle Rasheed Walker, a surprise standout in 2023 after stepping in for Bakhtiari, is also due a look as the team weighs its financial commitments. Given significant investments already made into their guard positions, Jenkins could be at risk if the Packers prioritize protecting quarterback Jordan Love.

Regardless of how Jenkins’ situation unfolds, Tom’s role is set. He will be a critical asset to keep Love’s blind side protected for years to come. As more teams fine-tune their offensive lines, Tom’s evolution illustrates how fast changes can occur in the NFL landscape.

For additional context on the importance of offensive line stability in football, you may want to check out the article by Pro Football Focus here.

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