It hasn’t been the smoothest NFL career so far for former Iowa star Lukas Van Ness. Even with that, the Green Bay Packers are displaying a lot of confidence in their young edge rusher to figure things out.
On Thursday, reports surfaced that the Packers are picking up the fifth-year option on Van Ness. He’s set to make $13.8 million in 2027 on that fifth-year option, after only making a little over $3 million this upcoming season.
It’s a big show of faith in Van Ness from the Green Bay front office. The former Hawkeye was taken with the 13th-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but has yet to play up to first-round expectations. He missed the last half of the 2025 season with a foot injury, but has still played in 43 career games across his first three seasons. In those games, Van Ness has accumulated just 84 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
His sack totals and overall production have diminished every season, but that didn’t deter the Packers from picking up his option. Van Ness is set to start opposite star Micah Parsons on the Green Bay defensive line, facing a huge make-or-break season, even with the option picked up.
Careers in the NFL can change in a hurry. Perceptions can be altered quickly. Packer fans won’t remember Van Ness’ lack of production early in his career if he has a monster 2026 season. The organization has shown confidence in him. Now it’s time for Van Ness to do in the NFL what he did at Iowa: dominate.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Former Iowa football star gets fifth-year NFL option picked up
Reporting by Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire / Hawkeyes Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
