Lions rumor sets up Detroit to sign Packers' $25 million free agent

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Lions rumor sets up Detroit to sign Packers' $25 million free agent originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

ESPN's Bill Barnwell wrote in a new article that he had thought Rasheed Walker's next contract to come in at $25 million per year.

Now, he thinks the free agent offensive tackle from the Green Bay Packers might end up as a bargain signing for the division rival Detroit Lions.

"Walker might also be heading for a short-term deal," Barnwell writes. "ESPN's Adam Schefter spoke with ESPN Milwaukee earlier this week and suggested that Walker might need to settle for a one-year deal before hitting free agency again in 2027. It looks like the significant market that many anticipated for Walker -- myself included -- never really materialized."

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And if it's just a one-year deal like that, Barnwell thinks the Lions make sense as a fit.

"A reunion with the Packers would make sense for both sides, but if Walker is going to leave for another team, the most obvious opening left on the board is in Detroit," Barnwell writes.

A one-year, prove-it deal for Walker would require him to find the best spot to actually prove his value. Then, if he does that, he can get paid more next offseason.

"The Lions released Taylor Decker earlier this offseason, leaving a hole at left tackle," Barnwell writes. "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. 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."

It would definitely shake up the NFC North if Walker goes from the Packers to the Lions. Of course, that'd be Green Bay's fault -- they let him go.

Now, Detroit has a chance to take advantage.

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