The Packers have to decide on Lukas Van Ness’ 5th-year option soon

TL;DR

The Green Bay Packers must decide by May 1st whether to pick up Lukas Van Ness' fifth-year option, which would cost $13.8 million for 2027. Van Ness, selected 13th overall in 2023, has shown steady improvement over his first three seasons.

Key points

Packers must decide on Van Ness' option by May 1st
Fifth-year option costs $13.8 million for 2027
Van Ness was drafted 13th overall in 2023
He has played 43 games with 8.5 sacks in three seasons
Defensive play rate increased from 33% to 45% over three years

Green Bay PackersLukas Van NessTennessee TitansMiami Dolphins

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 22: Lukas Van Ness #90 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a win against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images It’s that time of the year. The Green Bay Packers have until May 1st to decide whether or not to pick up the fifth-year option of 2023 first-round draft pick Lukas Van Ness. Van Ness, who is the same age as many draft picks from the 2026 draft, was taken 13th overall in the 2023 class, which only had 31 first-round selections because the Miami Dolphins forfeited their pick due to tampering. In three years in Green Bay, Van Ness has been able to play 43 games (full seasons in 2023 and 2024, but dealt with injuries in 2025). He has 23 quarterback hits and 8.5 sacks according to Pro Football Reference, to go along with 17 tackles for losses in the run game. In total, he’s played 1,056 defensive snaps and 387 special teams snaps. His play rate on defense has increased every year, going from 33 percent to 39 percent and then 45 percent in 2025. He will likely start opposite of Micah Parsons, now that Rashan Gary and are out of the mix. , the Packers would have to pay Van Ness $13.8 million to keep him under contract in 2027, at least if his option is picked up. That’s slightly more than the $10 million that backup edge defender Enagbare got on the open market this offseason. The assumption is that Enagbare will be the ’ third edge defender in 2026, backing up David Bailey, the second overall pick in the 2026 draft, and , who received a three-year, $36 million contract this offseason. Yes, you can make eight figures as a backup in the NFL now. Welcome to 2026. Keep an eye out for news on the Van Ness front, as the Packers only have so much time to make a decision. So far, only one player has had his fifth-year option declined this cycle.

Q&A

What is the deadline for the Packers to decide on Lukas Van Ness' fifth-year option?

The Packers have until May 1st to decide on Lukas Van Ness' fifth-year option.

How much would the Packers have to pay Lukas Van Ness if they pick up his option?

If the Packers pick up Lukas Van Ness' fifth-year option, they would have to pay him $13.8 million for the 2027 season.

What has been Lukas Van Ness' performance in his first three seasons?

In his first three seasons, Lukas Van Ness has played 43 games, recorded 23 quarterback hits, 8.5 sacks, and 17 tackles for loss.

How does Lukas Van Ness' playtime compare over the years?

Lukas Van Ness' defensive play rate has increased each year, going from 33% in 2023 to 45% in 2025.