Packers Extend Zach Tom With Historic $88M Deal, Securing Elite Right Tackle as Cornerstone of Jordan Love’s Future Protection Unit.

The Green Bay Packers made a definitive statement about their future when they handed offensive lineman Zach Tom a four-year, $88 million contract extension that could balloon to $92 million with incentives. For a franchise built on tradition, development, and long-term success, locking in Tom—one of the most versatile and efficient linemen in the league—signals a deliberate investment in stability and excellence along the offensive front.

The deal includes a record-setting $30.2 million signing bonus, the largest ever awarded to an offensive lineman in NFL history. That’s a loud message from general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur: they believe Tom is not only elite but essential.

From Fourth-Round Pick to Franchise Anchor

Tom’s rise to prominence wasn’t expected by most analysts. Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Wake Forest, he was initially projected as a depth piece with positional flexibility. Instead, Tom quickly proved he was far more than just a rotational lineman. His intelligence, athleticism, and technique earned him early playing time and trust from the coaching staff.

He’s now a full-time starter at right tackle, anchoring an offensive line that has undergone numerous transitions over the past few years. In just three seasons, Tom has played 1,599 pass-blocking snaps and allowed only seven sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. Even more impressive: in seven of his 12 starts last year, Tom didn’t allow a single sack.

That level of efficiency doesn’t go unnoticed by teammates or coaches.

“Zach’s one of the smartest linemen I’ve ever played with,” said quarterback Jordan Love. “You know he’s going to be there for you, every snap, every drive. That trust is everything.”

Historic Payday, Historic Impact

The $30.2 million signing bonus eclipses the previous record for offensive linemen and sets a new standard for how teams value elite right tackles. While left tackles have traditionally commanded the top of the market, Tom’s deal signals a shift—recognizing the increasing importance of both tackle positions in an era of evolving defensive schemes and elite edge rushers on both sides of the formation.

Tom’s total deal could hit $92 million with performance incentives—further proof of Green Bay’s belief in his potential to remain among the best at his position for years to come.

“He’s a technician, a leader, and a tone-setter,” said offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich. “Zach raises the standard in our room. He’s everything you want in a modern offensive lineman.”

Protecting Jordan Love, Building the Future

Perhaps the most important element of this deal is what it means for Jordan Love. After taking over for Aaron Rodgers in 2023, Love impressed with poise, decision-making, and arm talent. His development is critical to the franchise’s trajectory, and keeping him upright is priority number one.

Tom has become Love’s most reliable protector. With quick feet, precise hands, and the ability to mirror top pass-rushers, he gives Green Bay stability at one of the most volatile positions in the league.

“If you want to build around a young quarterback, it starts in the trenches,” said ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky. “The Packers just made the best kind of investment—for today and tomorrow.”

A Lineman Who Can Do It All

One of the most impressive aspects of Tom’s game is his versatility. In college, he played left tackle, center, and even guard. That adaptability has translated to the NFL. While he’s settled into the right tackle role, the coaching staff knows they can plug him into nearly any position in a pinch—a luxury few teams enjoy.

That flexibility has allowed the Packers to weather injuries and experiment with lineup combinations. Tom has never flinched. He’s not only survived, but thrived.

“He makes everyone around him better,” said veteran left guard Elgton Jenkins. “He communicates well, he plays smart, and he competes every single snap. That’s who you want next to you.”

Leadership and Culture

Beyond the stats and film, Zach Tom is a culture-builder. Known for his quiet confidence and strong work ethic, he’s become a respected voice in the locker room. As the Packers transition to a younger core around Jordan Love, Tom’s presence provides needed leadership.

He’s the kind of player who leads by example—never flashy, always prepared. That’s become part of his brand: unshakable, efficient, and always dependable.

“Zach is the definition of professionalism,” LaFleur said. “He’s consistent, he’s committed, and he sets the tone for what we want our offensive line to be.”

Green Bay’s Offensive Line Outlook

With Tom locked in, the Packers have one of the NFL’s most exciting young offensive lines. Anchored by veterans like Jenkins and bolstered by young, athletic linemen, the unit has the potential to be elite for the foreseeable future.

Tom’s deal also ensures continuity—something the Packers have prioritized in recent years. While the team has had to navigate injuries and lineup changes, keeping core players like Tom allows for stability and cohesion.

It’s the kind of foundation that successful teams build upon.

What It Means Around the League

Tom’s deal could also have ripple effects across the NFL. With top tackles like Penei Sewell (already extended), Tristan Wirfs, and Rashawn Slater next in line for new deals, the market has clearly shifted.

Right tackles, long viewed as second-tier to their left-sided counterparts, are being paid accordingly. And players like Tom—technically sound, versatile, and elite in pass protection—are setting the bar.

This also reinforces a trend in team-building: investing in the offensive line is no longer optional. It’s essential.

“You can’t win consistently in this league without an elite offensive line,” said former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum. “The Packers just ensured they have one of the best pieces locked in.”

A Win for Tom and Green Bay

For Zach Tom, the deal is life-changing—but also well-earned. His journey from a fourth-round pick to one of the NFL’s highest-paid linemen is a testament to hard work, discipline, and belief.

For the Packers, it’s a win on multiple levels: they secure an elite player, solidify the offensive line, and send a clear message to the locker room—this is how you reward excellence.

Tom, just 25, is entering his prime. And with Green Bay trending upward, he’s poised to play a major role in what could be a new era of Packers success.

“I’m grateful,” Tom said during his contract press conference. “But I’m also hungry. This isn’t the finish line—it’s the beginning.”

Zach Tom may not have had the fanfare of a first-round pick. He may not make headlines like star quarterbacks or skill players. But inside the walls of Lambeau Field, his value is undeniable. He’s the kind of player championship teams are built around: selfless, smart, and dominant.

The Packers just made sure he’s not going anywhere.

And in doing so, they may have taken one giant step closer to building another championship-caliber roster.

Contract Breakdown: Zach Tom’s Four-Year Extension

• Total value: $88 million

• Max value with incentives: $92 million

• Signing bonus: $30.2 million (NFL record for OL)

• Average annual salary: $22 million

• Length: 4 years (through 2029 season)

Career Stats (Per PFF)

• 1,599 pass-blocking snaps

• 7 total sacks allowed

• 0 sacks allowed in 7 of 12 starts (2024)

• Penalties: low and infrequent

Zach Tom got paid—and the Packers just secured a foundational piece for the next decade.