The clock is ticking.
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has until May 1 to make a decision on Lukas Van Ness' fifth-year option.
In his pre-draft press conference, now over a week ago, Gutekunst sidestepped the question by saying they were "working through" that process. Gutekunst's reason? Van Ness had only just returned for the offseason program and they hadn't had an opportunity to talk about it yet. Yeah, right.
Why the Packers could be delaying the Lukas Van Ness fifth-year option decision
Since making those comments, Gutekunst has presumably had plenty of opportunities to meet with the 2023 13th overall pick. He certainly had time to draft edge-rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton in the fourth round, which could tell us all we need to know.
So, why delay?
Of course, the Packers don't have to officially confirm their decision until May 1, so Gutekunst may argue that there's no need to rush. In recent years, we haven't heard Green Bay's decision until a couple of days before the deadline, or on deadline day itself.
Another possibility? They haven't picked up Van Ness' fifth-year option because they don't intend to. In that scenario, we'll naturally find out on May 1.
And there's certainly good reason for the Packers to pass. According to Over The Cap, exercising the option would tack on one year, $13.75 million to Van Ness' contract, and it would be fully guaranteed. That's an awfully big commitment for a player who has made just 8.5 sacks in 43 games while starting only two.
Van Ness showed flashes of potential last season after two underwhelming years, but he still netted just 1.5 sacks and missed eight games due to injury.
The best option might be to wait it out. Let Van Ness prove himself in the final year of his rookie deal and make a decision later. If he steps up, start negotiating a multi-year extension. If not, move on in 2027.
Gutekunst has invested in the pass rush over the past two years, selecting Dennis-Sutton (Round 4, 2026), Barryn Sorrell (Round 4, 2025), and Collin Oliver (Round 5, 2025).
It's decision time. Well, let's rephrase that, because the Packers have undoubtedly already made their minds up. It's time to find out the Packers' decision. We'll know by May 1, but Gutekunst has taken it right down to the wire.
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