The Roosters privately rated Sam Walker behind James Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Robert Toia and Naufahu Whyte among the club's talent, according to sources not authorised to speak publicly.
Despite the collapse of extension talks, Walker intends to see out the final season of his contract next year.
Negotiations ended on Monday after the Roosters withdrew a proposed three-year extension worth $4.2 million.
Walker had been offered $1.2 million a season, with a ratchet clause linked to the salary cap.
Chairman Nick Politis was reportedly furious after Walker's camp asked for additional time to consider the offer, leaving the future of the relationship uncertain.
Most clubs are budgeting for a 25 per cent rise in the salary cap, which would have lifted Walker's pay to $1.5 million under the clause.
The Roosters were unwilling to offer more, privately believing the Maroons and Kangaroos playmaker was not among their top four players this year.