The Green Bay Packers could enter the 2026 league year with only one defensive starter set to become an unrestricted free agent: Quay Walker. However, Brian Gutekunst has mentioned that he wants to keep him around long-term, so it would not be a surprise if a deal gets done before then.
With everyone else under contract through at least 2026, Jeff Hafley should have a solid couple of years to build chemistry and develop his group without worrying about constant changes. That said, Green Bay could still move a piece or two if the opportunity comes up to add valuable draft capital. On offense, the Packers could have as many as five starters hitting free agency next year, so it’ll be tough to keep them all — making draft picks even more important.
Brian Gutekunst has a track record of making trades with other NFC teams, which highlights that he is not afraid to strike deals within the conference. Last weel, Last Word on Sports’ Anthony Palacios proposed a trade pitch, with Green Bay sending one of their pass rushers to the New Orleans Saints, continuing that trend of NFC transactions.
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (1) is sacked by Green Bay Packers DE Lukas Van Ness (90)
© Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
“Since the New Orleans Saints will likely be without an adequate quarterback this upcoming season, the team may have to rely on the defense to make plays. Between Cameron Jordan and Khalen Saunders, the Saints need some stability in their pass-rushing unit. They’re getting older in that department with Jordan and linebacker DeMario Davis, so they could continue building talent in their room," Palacios wrote.
"The Packers might avoid sending Van Ness to an NFC team, but the fit is there, as Bryan Breese emerging as a starting defensive end seems unlikely," he added. "Van Ness isn’t going to make much of an impact if he lands in New Orleans, but they need some new life in the unit to give the Saints a boost to become a potential high-caliber defense."
Green Bay spent a top-15 pick on Lukas Van Ness just two years ago. During his rookie season in 2023, he recorded four sacks and 18 pressures, followed by three sacks and 20 pressures in 2024. He has not yet developed into a full-time starter, and if he does not make a noticeable leap in production this year, he will be sailing dangerously close to bust territory.
Jeff Hafley is excited about what Lukas Van Ness could bring to the table next year. The former first-rounder dealt with a thumb injury last season that derailed much of his development. Still, Rashan Gary needs a reliable No. 2 option alongside him. While Van Ness has the talent to become a starting-caliber edge rusher, the truth is he has yet to show any real flashes of becoming that player.
