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How the Rasheed Walker Arrest Could Impact the Green Bay Packers
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- How the Rasheed Walker Arrest Could Impact the Green Bay Packers
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Green Bay Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker was arrested Friday morning at LaGuardia Airport in New York and charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm. The arrest could have implications for the Packers beyond 2026.
As first reported by the New York Post , Walker was arrested and taken into custody at LaGuardia Airport after he tried to check a bag that contained a firearm and 36 rounds of ammunition. The 9mm Glock pistol and ammunition were both contained inside a lockbox.
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Arthur Aidala, the attorney for Walker, told the Post that the firearm for Walker was legally licensed in Wisconsin, where he resides during the NFL season. The 25-year-old lineman was unaware that he could not travel with the gun in New York. However, per his attorney, he told a Delta Air Lines employee that he had a licensed firearm and ammunition in a locked box in his bag beforehand.
"It was in a locked box and he disclosed it to the people at the airport. He told a person from Delta he was traveling with a firearm. He mistakenly thought because he had a licensed firearm and it was in a locked box that he was able to travel with it. We are confident the case will be dismissed."
Under New York law, an individual found to be in possession of a gun without a license issued by the state can be charged. So, while Walker notified the Delta employee about his licensed firearm and the ammunition in his lockbox, and even though it is legal in Wisconsin, he was in violation of New York gun laws.
Walker appeared at the Queens County Criminal Court on two gun charges and was released on his own recognizance. He's due back in court on March 19, just over a week after NFL free agency begins.
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Potential Impact on the Green Bay Packers
Walker, a former seventh-round pick, is poised to become one of the top NFL free agents this offseason. He is widely regarded as one of the best tackles on the market at a time when there are not many quality starting left tackles available.
A year ago, the Tennessee Titans signed left tackle Dan Moore Jr. to a four-year, $82 million contract. Multiple projections this offseason had Walker in line for a similar deal, which is why he was never expected to re-sign with the Packers this spring.
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Using OverTheCap.com 's projections for compensatory picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to receive a third-round pick for the signing of Moore with Tennessee last year. Green Bay would be in line for a potential fourth-round compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft if Walker signed a similar deal.
However, even if the attorney for Walker is able to work things out in the legal system, this could have a slight impact on the free agent market for the 6-foot-6 lineman. If he receives just a few million dollars less in annual average value or total contract value, the projected compensatory pick for Green Bay could drop a full round. Walker seems unlikely to face a suspension from the NFL, but the potential contract impact could negatively affect the Packers.
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