Packers Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Edge Rusher Lukas Van Ness

The Green Bay Packers announced on April 30, 2026 that they exercised the fifth-year option on 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness. The option guarantees a fully guaranteed $13.8 million salary for the 2027 season and extends his contract through that year, with a $3 million salary for 2026.

Packers make final call on Lukas Van Ness, and it has major implications over his future in Green Bay

Van Ness was taken 13th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, a selection the Packers secured by moving up in the Aaron Rodgers trade with the New York Jets. Key figures include GM Brian Gutekunst, reporter Matt Schneidman, ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, and new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon for the Packers in 2026.

ESPN

Van Ness has appeared in 43 games with two starts, tallying 8.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, seven QB hits and 84 total tackles. He recorded 1.5 sacks in 2025 that year after missing eight games with a foot injury; PFF graded him 75.7 in 2025.

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GM Gutekunst said missed games “stunt” development but stressed Van Ness was playing at a high level and the team feels confident about his trajectory. The front office described the option as a low-risk move to retain upside while preserving cap flexibility for future roster planning.

Packers make $13.8 million Lukas Van Ness decision

Analysts and fans label the option an overpay, noting Van Ness’s sack totals have declined and cheaper pass-rush options exist. Dairyland Express highlighted a $14.5 million projected cap charge versus a $8.7 million market value, calling the move polarizing among supporters and media.

Packers' Lukas Van Ness Gamble May Be Worth the Price

Salary figures vary: The Athletic and ESPN cite $13.8 million; Heavy.com reports $13.75 million; Ken Ingalls projects a $14.5 million cap hit. Market-value estimates range from $8.7 million to the option cost, and no source provides a 2026 snap-count projection for his role in the defense during the season.

Packers' Lukas Van Ness Gamble May Be Worth the Price

• “I would've liked to get those games back that he missed this past year because he was playing at such a high level for us,” — Brian Gutekunst, Packers GM

ESPN

• “Source: Packers picked up the fifth-year option for edge Lukas Van Ness,” — Matt Schneidman, The Athletic (X)

Heavy

• “Per [Over the Cap], that guarantees his 2027 salary at about $13.8 million. [He] enters 2026 as No. 2 edge behind Micah Parsons. Team appears confident in a healthy LVN after he missed half of last year with a foot injury.” — Matt Schneidman, X

Heavy

• “The Packers have indeed picked up the fifth-year option on edge rusher Lukas Van Ness, the 13th pick in the 2023 draft, a source said confirming @mattschneidman's report. It means LVN will make $13.8 million in 2027. He will make up to $3,121,104 this coming season.” — Rob Demovsky, ESPN (X)

Packers make $13.8 million Lukas Van Ness decision

Van Ness enters 2026 as the No. 2 edge behind Micah Parsons and could start if Parsons misses time. Gannon’s multi-look fronts may boost his pass-rush opportunities, while the guaranteed salary gives the Packers cost certainty as they plan extensions for Christian Watson and Tucker Kraft in the future.

Heavy