Lukas Van Ness at a Crossroads: Packers Face Key Decision on Fifth-Year Option
The Green Bay Packers are heading into a pivotal offseason, and among the many decisions on GM Brian Gutekunst’s plate is whether to pick up the fifth-year option on Lukas Van Ness. The former first-round pick out of Iowa is entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2026, and while the flashes have been there, the full breakout still hasn’t arrived.
Let’s start with the basics: Van Ness was the 13th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft-a raw but physically gifted edge rusher who earned the nickname “Hercules” for his freakish blend of size and athleticism. But as anyone who watched his college tape knows, he never started a game at Iowa. The Packers knew they were drafting a developmental player, banking on upside over polish.
Three seasons in, the development has been slow but not without signs of life.
A Season of Setbacks and Glimpses
Van Ness’ 2025 campaign was a mixed bag. He played in just nine games, missing eight due to injury.
When he was on the field, he logged 1.5 sacks, seven quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss. He also totaled 19 tackles and played 45% of the defensive snaps in games he suited up for.
Not eye-popping numbers, but also not without value-especially considering the limited reps.
What’s intriguing is how well he graded out in those limited snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, Van Ness earned strong marks, particularly against the run.
His pass rush grades weren’t far behind either, suggesting that the tools are starting to come together. But again, small sample size.
The challenge is projecting what that looks like over a full season.
Depth Chart Drama and a Door Opening
Van Ness has spent most of his Packers tenure buried on the depth chart. He opened his career behind Rashan Gary and Preston Smith.
Then, when Smith was traded in 2024, it was Kingsley Enagbare-not Van Ness-who stepped into the starting role. That was a telling moment.
And just when it looked like he might get his shot, the Packers shook things up again, acquiring Micah Parsons before the 2025 season. That pushed Van Ness back into a rotational role once more. He finally made his first two career starts late in the season, filling in while Parsons was sidelined with injuries.
Now, the situation is shifting again. Gary is expected to depart this offseason, and Enagbare is set to hit free agency unless the Packers re-sign him.
That could finally clear the path for Van Ness to step into a full-time starting role opposite Parsons. But here’s the catch-the Packers have to decide on his fifth-year option by May.
They won’t get the luxury of seeing a full season before making the call.
The projected cost for that fifth year? Around $15 million, fully guaranteed.
No signing bonus, just a straight cap hit for 2027 if they pick it up. The team could always work out an extension to spread that money out, but the initial decision has to come soon.
The Hafley Effect and What’s Next
Before his departure, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley was vocal about Van Ness’ growth. During training camp, Hafley praised the strides Van Ness had made in his technique-from hand usage to setting edges to developing a more complete pass-rushing arsenal.
“He came back in really good shape,” Hafley said back in July. “He's healthy. I just think he's a year older and it's another year in the scheme for him where he's starting to feel comfortable.”
Unfortunately, injuries derailed much of that momentum. Still, the underlying signs are promising. The advanced metrics show improvement, and at just 24 years old (he turns 25 in July), Van Ness is entering his physical prime.
There’s also the added bonus of versatility. Van Ness has experience lining up inside, both in college and with the Packers. That interior flexibility could allow Green Bay to get creative with their fronts, pairing him with Devonte Wyatt to generate pressure from multiple angles.
The Verdict Looms
This is one of those classic NFL decisions-do you bet on the potential or wait for the production? Van Ness hasn’t had the breakout season yet, but the tools, the traits, and the trajectory suggest it could be coming. And with the edge room in flux, the opportunity is finally there.
The Packers took a long-term view when they drafted Van Ness. Now, they have to decide if they’re willing to double down.
Picking up the fifth-year option would be a show of faith in the player they believed he could become. From there, it’ll be up to Van Ness to reward that belief.