Lukas Van Ness gets fifth-year contract option from Packers | Reports

GREEN BAY − Since the Green Bay Packers drafted Lukas Van Ness with the 13th overall pick in 2023 after only two college seasons as a rotational defensive lineman at Iowa, his career has been based on projection.

The Packers believed Van Ness would develop into a pass rusher worthy of a first-round draft selection. After three years of underperforming those expectations, they still believe Van Ness is on his way to being a quality starter on their defensive line.

The Packers extended Van Ness’ runway to reach that standard, exercising the fifth-year option in his rookie contract, according to multiple reports. The extension is expected to pay Van Ness $14.5 million in 2027 under the defensive end designation, according to independent salary cap expert Ken Ingalls.

Van Ness would have entered the final year of his rookie deal this fall without the fifth-year option. After a disappointing 2024, Van Ness rebounded to be a more disruptive pass rusher off the edge last season. He just wasn’t on the field enough, injuring his foot while sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco in October. Van Ness missed the next five games, returning in late November against Minnesota. He played only six snaps before exiting against the Vikings, missing the next two games.