Lukas Van Ness has failed to reach the expectations placed upon him when the Green Bay Packers selected him with the 13th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. It could leave them with a tough decision.
As a first-round draft selection, the Packers hold a fifth-year option on Van Ness for the 2027 season. However, with his level of play in his first two seasons, declining the option almost seems like a foregone conclusion at this point.
The problem here is that the Packers will have to decide after 2025 what they will do with Van Ness’s option — he enters a make-or-break scenario.
If Van Ness finally breaks through and becomes the player the Packers thought they were getting in 2023, exercising it to keep him through the 2027 NFL season is a no-brainer. Who wouldn’t want to retain a cost-controlled, blossoming pass-rusher under contract for another season?
Conversely, if Van Ness continues to post similar numbers this season that closely resemble his first two seasons, then it would be a swift and easy decline for Green Bay.
Van Ness’s Disappointing Performance
In 34 games, Van Ness has recorded just 7 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, along with a total of 65 tackles (46 solo). These are not the numbers the Packers expected from a first-round pick. As a pass-rusher, he was anticipated to create significant pressure on opposing offenses, but his performance has been on par with backup players or mid-round selections. This has left fans frustrated, especially when compared to other talents from the 2023 draft, like Broderick Jones or Christian Gonzalez, who are thriving with other teams.
Van Ness has never started a game, playing only 33% of defensive snaps in his rookie season and slightly increasing to 39% in his second year. While some argue the team hasn’t given him enough opportunities to shine, Van Ness has also failed to prove he deserves a bigger role. His inconsistent play has left the Packers questioning whether they should continue investing in him.
The Tough Decision on the Fifth-Year Option
Per NFL rules, the Packers have the option to activate Van Ness’s fifth-year contract for the 2027 season, but this decision must be made after the 2025 season—a make-or-break year for him. If Van Ness can break out and become the pass-rusher initially envisioned, exercising the option would be a no-brainer. A young player under a cost-controlled contract for an additional season would be a valuable asset for the Packers. However, based on his current performance, declining the option seems like an inevitable conclusion.
If Van Ness fails to improve significantly in the upcoming season, the Packers will have to face the reality that they made a mistake selecting him so high in the draft. This not only impacts their team-building strategy but also wastes valuable financial resources and draft capital. Instead of having a star at a key position, the Packers may need to search for a new pass-rusher, while other 2023 draft talents like Broderick Jones (Pittsburgh Steelers) or Christian Gonzalez (New England Patriots) continue to prove their worth.
Pressure from Recent Packers’ Moves
Recent moves by the Packers have only intensified the pressure on Van Ness. Trading away Preston Smith and adding pass-rushers like Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver in the 2025 draft suggests the team is no longer fully confident in Van Ness. Even Brenton Cox Jr., an undrafted player, took playing time away from Van Ness late last season, highlighting the fierce competition within the Packers’ defensive front.
Additionally, the hiring of new defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington is expected to help elevate the play of Van Ness and Rashan Gary. However, banking on Covington to “revive” Van Ness is a significant gamble. If Van Ness cannot seize this opportunity, the Packers may need to pursue other options, such as signing a veteran like Jadeveon Clowney to bolster their defensive line.
A Way Out for Van Ness and the Packers
The 2025 season will be Van Ness’s final chance to prove his worth. A breakout third year could salvage his career in Green Bay and convince the front office to activate his fifth-year option. If successful, the Packers would gain a talented pass-rusher at a reasonable cost, freeing up resources to address other roster needs.
However, if Van Ness continues to underperform, the Packers will be forced to admit he is one of their draft busts. This would be a significant blow to fans’ confidence and a costly lesson for the front office about evaluating and developing young talent.
Conclusion
The truth about Lukas Van Ness is coming to light, and it’s not what Packers fans want to hear. From a promising young talent, Van Ness is at risk of becoming a first-round bust. The 2025 season will determine whether he can turn things around or if the Packers will pay the price for their misstep. For fans, this is a time for hope, but also a moment to brace for a potentially disappointing outcome.