The Green Bay Packers could be positioned to benefit significantly from the NFL’s compensatory pick formula in 2027, thanks to an impressive number of departing free agents ranked among the league’s top available players.

With six Packers landing on NFL.com’s Top 100 free agents list — including three in the top 50 — general manager Brian Gutekunst may soon find his team holding a valuable draft “war chest.” As the NFL Scouting Combine unfolds and free agency looms, Green Bay’s roster turnover could quietly transform into premium draft capital.

Let’s break down how the Packers could capitalize — and which players are driving that potential compensatory windfall.

Malik Willis Headlines NFL Free Agency

The most surprising name at the top of the list? Quarterback Malik Willis.

NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal ranked Willis as the No. 1 overall free agent entering the 2026 offseason. That raised eyebrows across the league, but the logic is straightforward: franchise quarterbacks are rare commodities.

Rosenthal praised Willis as “the most dynamic quarterback in football as a runner,” while also noting his marked development as a passer under head coach Matt LaFleur in Green Bay.

In a league with 32 teams but far fewer than 32 reliable starting quarterbacks, Willis’ upside alone vaults him to the top of the market. Even with a limited sample size, teams in need of quarterback stability are expected to line up with significant offers.

Why This Matters for Green Bay

The Packers are unlikely to re-sign Willis, especially if a bidding war erupts. But that’s precisely where the opportunity lies.

Under the NFL’s compensatory pick formula, teams are rewarded when they lose high-value free agents — particularly if they avoid offsetting those departures with expensive signings of their own.

Teams like Arizona, Minnesota, Miami, and Pittsburgh could all explore quarterback upgrades. If Willis secures a substantial long-term deal, Green Bay could potentially flip what was once a conditional seventh-round trade asset into a third-round compensatory pick in 2027.

For a front office that values draft capital, that’s a massive return on investment.

Rasheed Walker: Quietly Valuable on the Open Market

Offensive tackle Rasheed Walker ranked No. 22 overall on the Top 100 list, placing him firmly among the premium offensive line options available.

Walker has started consistently since the injury that ended the career of longtime stalwart David Bakhtiari. While Walker may not be viewed as elite, he has delivered steady, league-average play — and average offensive line play commands serious money in today’s NFL.

Recent contracts around the league set the market:

• Dan Moore Jr. signed a 4-year, $82 million deal.

• Aaron Banks secured a 4-year, $77 million contract.

Walker’s performance compares favorably to both players during their pre-free agency years. Some league chatter suggests he could approach $25 million annually on the open market.

The Packers likely won’t match that price, especially with former first-round pick Jordan Morgan projected to take over at left tackle in 2026.

If Walker signs a lucrative deal elsewhere, Green Bay’s compensatory outlook strengthens considerably.

Romeo Doubs: Productive and Playoff Proven

Wide receiver Romeo Doubs landed at No. 28 overall and ranks among the top receivers available this offseason.

Doubs has been a dependable contributor, particularly in high-pressure postseason moments. Both of his career 100-yard performances came in playoff games, underscoring his ability to rise in big spots.

Despite his production, Green Bay appears unlikely to prioritize a long-term deal. With younger talent ready to step into expanded roles — and with the team reportedly focused on retaining Christian Watson — Doubs may find stronger offers elsewhere.

If his market escalates due to receiver scarcity — especially if players like George Pickens are franchise-tagged — Doubs’ departure could net the Packers another valuable compensatory selection.

Quay Walker’s Uncertain Future

Linebacker Quay Walker presents a more complicated case.

At one point, it appeared likely Green Bay would retain him long-term. Both LaFleur and defensive staff consistently praised his athleticism and play style. However, after declining his fifth-year option, the Packers have allowed Walker to test the open market.

Walker has flashed potential but has struggled in coverage, limiting his ceiling in certain defensive schemes. Rosenthal summarized it well, noting that while Walker improved over time, he never fully developed the instincts of a top-tier linebacker.

If Walker secures a mid-level multi-year contract elsewhere — particularly with a team like Miami, where familiar coaching connections exist — that deal would still factor positively into Green Bay’s compensatory equation.

Sean Rhyan: Intriguing Interior Line Option

Interior offensive lineman Sean Rhyan ranked just ahead of Trevon Diggs on the Top 100 list.

Rhyan’s tenure in Green Bay has been rotational. He has shared snaps at guard and only became a full-time option at center late in the 2025 season after injuries reshuffled the line.

His versatility is appealing, and teams seeking interior line depth could view him as a starting-caliber option. A contract similar to the 3-year, $30 million deal signed by Jon Runyan Jr. with the New York Giants in a prior offseason could be realistic.

If Rhyan reaches that tier of compensation, it would further boost the Packers’ draft capital outlook.

Trevon Diggs Will Not Factor In

Cornerback Trevon Diggs appeared at No. 92 on the list but was released shortly after the season concluded.

Because he was cut rather than allowed to depart via unrestricted free agency, Diggs will not count toward the compensatory formula. While another team may take a low-risk chance on him, his departure offers no draft return for Green Bay.

How Big Could the Compensatory Haul Be?

If the Packers avoid major external signings and allow multiple top-100 free agents to walk, they could realistically secure several mid-to-high compensatory picks in 2027.

The key factors include:

• Total contract value of departing players

• Guaranteed money and annual salary

• Snap counts and postseason honors

• Net balance of free agents lost vs. signed

Given the current projections, Green Bay could be in line for multiple Day 2 or early Day 3 selections — a significant asset for a franchise that consistently builds through the draft.

Final Outlook: A Strategic Reset Without Rebuilding

While losing six top-100 free agents may initially appear alarming, the Packers’ front office is uniquely positioned to turn roster attrition into long-term capital.

Rather than aggressively chasing replacements, Gutekunst could lean into the compensatory formula, preserve cap flexibility, and reload through the draft.

If Malik Willis commands the blockbuster contract many expect — and if Walker, Doubs, and others secure strong multi-year deals — Green Bay’s 2027 draft board could be stocked with extra ammunition.

In today’s NFL, sustained contention depends as much on asset management as it does on star power. The Packers may not win the free agency headlines — but they could quietly win the draft before it even begins.