Zach Tom: Packers Secure Tackle with $88M Million-Dollar Extension

A month ago, Zach Tom avoided talking about the possibility of demanding a new contract with the Green Bay Packers before the start of the season. That possibility is no longer relevant.The right tackle, in his fourth year, reached an agreement to extend his contract for four years and $88 million on Monday. The deal includes a signing bonus of $30.2 million, which is believed to be the highest for an offensive lineman.The negotiations ended a day before the Packers’ veteran players were due to report for training camp. Tom participated in the entire offseason training program, rather than waiting for a new deal to be finalized.

I don’t think it does me any good to stay out. I’m trying not to worry about the contractual situation. I’m just trying to do my best for the team. And being here with the guys, I think that’s worth a lot more than… the contract situation will resolve itself. So, I’m here working and striving with the guys. If I weren’t here, I’d probably be somewhere doing nothing, I don’t know. So, yeah, obviously I want to be here.

Zach Tom

The Packers are making some changes on the offensive line, and there was a possibility that Tom would be moved. However, this agreement ensures that he will remain at tackle.Last season, Tom finished third in the All-Pro voting among right tackles, behind Penei Sewell of the Detroit Lions and Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles.

I think he can play any position. So it turned out that he found his place as a right tackle, but I think his versatility is one of the things that makes him special. I think he can play all five, and there aren’t many guys who can do that, but I’d say he has the athleticism. I think he’s a very intelligent football player, and he’s played pretty consistently in recent years.

Matt LaFleur, Packers coach

Tom, drafted in the fourth round in 2022, has been a starter in every game of the last two seasons and has had 39 total starts in his first three seasons. He has started 34 games at right tackle, four at left tackle, and one at left guard.A competition for the left tackle position is expected between Rasheed Walker and Jordan Morgan, the first-round pick of 2024.Among the changes on the offensive line, Elgton Jenkins will move from left guard to center to make room for Aaron Banks, who will play as left guard.Jenkins, who has been placed on the non-football injury list, missed most of the offseason program because he wants his contract adjusted, even though he has two more years left.