The Packers have already inked wide receiver Christian Watson to a long-term contract this season, and there are rumblings that Romeo Doubs could be next in line, but it is one of Green Bay’s star defensive players who may be running out of time to ink a new deal.
Doubs has shined in Watson’s absence, still recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the 2024 regular season finale, to the point that the Packers seem inclined to make him a piece of the long-term puzzle alongside Watson and emerging first-round rookie receiver Matthew Golden.
However, with Lukas Van Ness in the midst of a contract year, and playing some of the best football of his career, the clock could be ticking on getting a new deal done with the Packers.
Packers don’t seem in a rush to extend Lukas Van Ness
Green Bay Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness (90) celebrates after sacking Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-13.
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Van Ness entered the 2025 campaign with much to prove, aiming to shed the first-round bust label that has dogged him through posting just seven sacks in his first two seasons.
According to Bleacher Report, though, Van Ness may be running out of time to earn a long-term deal despite already logging 1.5 sacks so far this season.
“The window is closing fast,” Brad Gagnon writes of Van Ness, for B/R. “If he’s stuck in a contract year for a contender with multiple superior pass-rushing options in 2026, Van Ness could become forgotten quickly.
“His snaps are still up overall, but he only registered his first full sack of the season in Week 6 before suffering a foot injury. Van Ness, 24, needs to find a way to take advantage of situational pass-rushing scenarios with offenses focused on Parsons. First, though, he needs to get and stay healthy. ”
If Van Ness can keep up his fast pace to open the season throughout the 2025 campaign, and benefit from all of the attention Parsons is garnering from opposing offensive lines, it could force Gutekunst and the Packers’ hands to make a long-term deal.
However, if Van Ness’ recent injury derails his strong start, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see the Packers prioritize drafting a much more affordable replacement next spring rather than pay him top dollar on a long-term deal.
Oct 12, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1), defensive end Lukas Van Ness (90) and defensive end Rashan Gary (52) pressure Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) during the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: William Glasheen-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images