The Green Bay Packers are once again at the center of the conversation, although this time not for their sporting performance. Last Friday, offensive lineman Rasheed Walker was arrested at LaGuardia Airport in New York after authorities detected a firearm in his luggage.
The NFL franchise had begun its rest period after being eliminated in the wild card round by the Chicago Bears. The season left mixed feelings for the team, which started with high expectations after important moves in the squad, but ended up saying goodbye earlier than expected. Now, an off-field problem is putting pressure on the organization.
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Rasheed Walker and the arrest at New York’s LaGuardia Airport
According to reports from the New York Post, Rasheed Walker, 25, was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and an additional count of criminal possession of a firearm. The player was detained after attempting to check a suitcase containing a closed box with a gun inside.
An airline employee alerted the Port Authority Police, who checked the luggage and found a 9mm Glock handgun along with 36 rounds of ammunition. Walker appeared in Queens County Criminal Court and was released that same Friday, leaving the legal process open.
The player’s lawyer, Arthur Aidala, stated that the gun is legally licensed in Wisconsin and that Walker was unaware that it was not allowed to travel with it in the state of New York. The defense is confident that the case can be resolved favorably.
Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and a season that ended sooner than expected
Walker’s arrest comes in the offseason for the Green Bay Packers, who missed the playoffs after losing to their arch-rivals, the Chicago Bears. The team finished sixth in the NFC, but failed to advance beyond the first round.
Despite strengthening with important names and maintaining a competitive base, injuries and inconsistency marked the team’s performance. The organization is already planning its return to action in April, when it will participate in the NFL Draft and then begin training camps for the season that will begin in September.
This context makes any off-field situation more relevant, especially when it comes to a starting player on the offensive line.
Rasheed Walker’s contract, NFL future and potential impact on the Packers
The legal case could directly influence Rasheed Walker‘s future with the Packers. His rookie contract expires on March 11, 2026, the first day of the league year, and there were already doubts about a possible renewal before the incident.
Walker has played 48 games over the past three seasons and established himself as the starting left tackle in 2023 following the departure of former All-Pro David Bakhtiari. His performance has been on the rise, but a contract close to $20 million looks complicated for the team’s salary structure.
The current situation could lead the management to leave him as a free agent, depending on the legal outcome and the strategic decisions made by the franchise ahead of the next NFL season.
