Free Agent Tracy Walker to Miss First 12 Games Due to Suspension

Veteran defensive back Tracy Walker faces an uphill battle in his quest to return to the NFL. After being released from the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad last September, Walker has remained a free agent, diligently seeking another opportunity to showcase his skills. However, any potential comeback will be significantly delayed, as the NFL has suspended the free agent safety for the first 12 games of the 2025 season. The exact reason for Walker’s suspension remains unclear, adding another layer of complexity to his situation.

Despite the suspension, Walker is permitted to sign with a team before it concludes, offering a glimmer of hope. He would be eligible to suit up and contribute on the field beginning in Week 13 of the 2025 season.

Walker, a former third-round draft pick, carved out a valuable role for himself during his time with the Detroit Lions. From 2019 to 2021, he consistently demonstrated his tackling ability, averaging nearly 100 tackles per season and becoming a key component of the Lions’ defense. Unfortunately, a torn Achilles tendon sidelined him for the majority of the 2022 season, limiting him to just three games. Demonstrating resilience, Walker successfully rehabilitated his injury and returned to the field for the start of the 2023 campaign. He participated in all 17 games that season, playing in approximately half of the team’s defensive snaps, proving his ability to contribute even after a significant injury.

Nevertheless, the Lions made the decision to release Walker during the 2024 offseason. This move provided the team with over $5 million in cap space, allowing them to pursue other roster options and gain financial flexibility.

Shifting focus back to this season, the situation largely depends on the reasoning behind the suspension. With those details still undisclosed, it’s difficult to make a proper judgment on whether Walker will be picked up. However, if the situation resolves in a reasonable manner—both morally and ethically—there’s no reason to believe he couldn’t help a team, even in a practice squad role.