Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst was forthcoming during his annual pre-draft press conference ahead of this year's event in Pittsburgh. He answered various burning questions, specifically regarding defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness' outlook.
As of this writing, the Packers haven't reached a verdict on Van Ness' $14.475 million fifth-year option. Most front offices have already decided on the fate of their 2023 first-round picks at this point.
Meanwhile, those who didn't are candidates to hand out contract extensions or make a trade, but by the sound of it, Gutekunst's in no rush.
"We're working through that," Gutekunst told reporters. "I think it's [by] May 1 that we got to do that. We'll do that at the appropriate time."
Brian Gutekunst continues to put Lukas Van Ness' future with Packers on the back burner
When asked what's delaying the Packers as a follow-up, Gutekunst didn't provide much clarity — or did he? The 52-year-old wittily said there hasn't been a chance to speak with Van Ness yet, but why exactly? Because the latter arrived for the first day of the team's 2026 offseason workout program the day prior.
Yeah, sure, that's a totally believable reason. It's not like the Packers have been able to exercise or decline Van Ness' club option since the end of last regular season, per league rules. Oh, wait; one way or another, Green Bay could've resolved the matter by now.
Not to mention, cell phones exist. Why hasn't Gutekunst just gotten Van Ness on the line, or vice versa? Clearly, this isn't a pressing conversation for either of them, considering they've each had the option to call the other.
Nevertheless, as Gutekunst reminded us, the deadline date is approaching. The Packers must opt in or out of Van Ness' fully guaranteed salary for 2027 sooner rather than later. It's only a matter of time before Green Bay pulls the trigger or doesn't.
Frankly, Van Ness hasn't lived up to his lofty pedigree since entering the pros, so picking up his fifth-year option would be a projection. He hasn't been the pass rusher on the edge that the Packers hoped when they selected him No. 13 overall in 2023. The Iowa product has produced a disappointing 8.5 sacks across three campaigns with Green Bay (43 games).
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