Just as Green Bay Packers fans received a dose of bad news regarding Micah Parsons 2026 return, the superstar edge rusher spoke out regarding who he expected to make a massive leap in both on-field production and fan-fueled power rankings.
With about three months to go until the start of the regular season, it might be too early for most to speculate on in-season player performance, but Micah Parsons is putting all his money on Lukas Van Ness.
The Packers picked up Van Ness's fifth-year option in late April, meaning the former first-round pick is signed through the 2027 season. However, to secure a long-term contract like the ones we've seen receivers Jayden Reed and Christian Watson sign recently, Van Ness will need to come out swinging.
One person who seems confident in LVN's ability is Micah Parsons, who has complemented the younger player's game repeatedly since being traded to Green Bay last year.
Packers superstar Micah Parsons is a big believer in Lukas Van Ness this season
In a recent interview with The Athletic's Matt Schneidman, Parsons expressed a lot of support for one of Green Bay's more polarizing players in recent years:
"I think by the end of this season, if Luke stays healthy, I think he’ll probably be the (fan) favorite...I definitely think I’m going to have my hands full with Luke on who’s going to be the best.”
That's high praise coming from one of the league's top edge rushers.
Van Ness played in only nine games last season due to a foot injury, but he should see the field much more in 2026.
The departure of Rashan Gary and the delayed return of Micah Parsons will open up more starting opportunities for the former Hawkeye, while placing more responsibility on his shoulders in the process. In that elevated role, he'll certainly surpass his previous high of 45% of defensive snaps, leading to more consistent production from week to week
This season, we could easily see the Van Ness that Parsons seems so excited about. Every fan will have a different idea of what "breakout" means, but if Van Ness can record 8 sacks or more this season, his future with the Packers could become a whole lot brighter.
Van Ness' career-high four sacks came during his rookie year, when he played just 33% of snaps. Now, entering an important year for both himself and the team, he has the chance to set himself apart and establish himself as a long-term starter.
Whether he does just enough to stick in Green Bay, or prices himself out of Titletown, as long as LVN can be a significant contributor, he'll be a big help to make up for Parsons' absence to start the year.
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