The Packers’ search for running back help has put Jonathan Taylor at the center of the conversation, but the path to getting him is messy. Green Bay is dealing with limited salary cap room and not much draft capital, which makes a straight-up pursuit of the Colts star tough to pull off.
That’s where Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel floated a different kind of trade chip: Lukas Van Ness.
“The first player that comes to mind is edge rusher Lukas Van Ness,” wrote the NFL analyst.
Silverstein pointed to Van Ness’ production and versatility as reasons he could carry real value in a deal. “He currently leads the team with 4½ sacks, six quarterback hits and 17 pressures, and can play the run from both an edge and inside position.
The Packers picked up his fifth-year option in ’27, which will cost them a guaranteed $13.75 million. Trading him would clear that total from the team’s ’27 salary cap and make Taylor’s contract easier to fit in.”
That kind of move could help Green Bay if Indianapolis really is asking for more than a second-round pick for Taylor. Van Ness might be the piece that narrows the gap and keeps the Packers from having to give up as much draft value to get a deal done.
There’s also a bigger question hanging over Van Ness himself. Green Bay has to decide whether he’s worth the kind of long-term money that usually comes with a rising edge rusher, and his development so far may make that a harder call than it once looked.
The Packers’ decision to bring in Micah Parsons and take on his hefty contract, even with Van Ness already on the roster, could be a clue about where things are headed on defense. It may suggest Green Bay doesn’t see Van Ness as a must-keep piece of the future pass rush.
With the November 10 deadline getting closer, the idea of Indianapolis taking Van Ness as part of a Taylor deal is still just that - an idea. The Colts would have to decide whether a promising edge rusher is enough to justify moving their starting running back.
In Other News...
Packers Walk Into A Patriots Moment That Will Dominate This Week
The Week 9 trip to New England already had a little extra shine for the Packers, and now it has a broadcast wrinkle to match. Tom Brady is set to call a Patriots game at Gillette Stadium for the first time in his broadcasting career when Green Bay visits Foxborough, adding another layer of attention to a matchup that was already going to draw plenty of eyes.
Brady said he is excited to return to the stadium where so many of his biggest moments unfolded, while Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and others around the organization have been taking stock of the occasion. The conversation around the game has also drifted toward Rob Gronkowskis upcoming Hall of Fame induction, giving this week in Foxborough a distinctly Patriots flavor even before the teams take the field. [Read more 🡒]
Packers Trade Buzz Just Raised The Stakes For This Defense
With the NFL trade deadline drawing near, Green Bay has started to look like a team that could be more than a bystander. The Packers have reason to explore help on defense, especially with Micah Parsons expected back from injury, and the idea of adding another proven edge presence has only sharpened the conversation around how aggressive they want to be.
One name that has surfaced in that discussion is Khalil Mack, a veteran pass rusher who would give Green Bay another disruptive piece if the Chargers decide to listen. Los Angeles has stumbled this season, which only adds to the intrigue around whether a player of Macks caliber could become available, and for the Packers the appeal is obvious: a chance to deepen a defense that could get a lot more dangerous if the right move is made. [Read more 🡒]
Josh Jacobs Puts Packers On Edge As NFL Wait Continues
Josh Jacobs situation has taken another turn as the Packers wait for the NFLs next move. The running back is already back in the middle of a difficult legal and league process after missing six games on the commissioner-exempt list following his May arrest, and recently released police records have now added fresh allegations from three women involving physical and verbal abuse.
For Green Bay, the uncertainty is the real issue. Jacobs has said he believes in his legal defense and expects to stay on the field for the rest of the season, but the NFL investigation is still ongoing, leaving the team to monitor a case that could continue to hang over its backfield. If the league eventually acts, any suspension would likely be applied against the games he has already missed, which only adds another layer to a situation the Packers would rather not have lingering into the stretch run. [Read more 🡒]