The Green Bay Packers have come to an agreement with first round pick Lukas Van Ness. General manager Brian Gutekunst announced the signing today. Only two members of the Packers 2023 NFL Draft class remain unsigned.
#Packers sign first-round draft pick Lukas Van Ness ✍️
📰: https://t.co/QodWtfgUQ7 #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/WPGHwTvAE5
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) June 27, 2023
The remaining unsigned draft picks are second round picks Luke Musgrave and Jayden Reed.
Lukas Van Ness’ Contract with the Green Bay Packers
Thanks to collective bargaining agreement, we know exactly how much Van Ness’ contract is for. The rate for a 13th overall pick, according to Market Watch, is a four-year deal worth $18.6 million. Of course, this does not include money that he could earn in the fifth-year option every first round pick has.
The only question mark in regards to the contract is how much of it is guaranteed. This figure has not been released by the team. However, if he plays all four years (and hopefully longer), he will make $18.6 million.
Van Ness was an interesting pick because he did not start any games in college. However, Iowa is well-known for starting seniors, and Van Ness was a junior last season. He actually ended up playing more snaps than the senior starters.
With Green Bay, Van Ness will be an outside edge rusher, though whether or not he will start in 2023 remains to be seen. If Rashan Gary were healthy, there would be no question: he would not start at all. Gary and Preston Smith are the team’s best pass rushers when healthy.
That being said, Van Ness should get plenty of snaps and a chance to prove himself. As a first round pick, he will surely be a key part of the defense for years to come.
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