Packers Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Key Pass Rusher

During this past season, the Green Bay Packers’ defense ranked in the top 10 in sacks (45), in the top 12 in QB hurries (55), and in the top 15 in QB pressures (143).

The team allowed just 19.9 points per game as a result, being one of just six defenses to allow fewer than 20 points a game last season.

A key part of Green Bay’s defensive success comes from a former Georgia Bulldog on the defensive line.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) throws a pass under pressure from Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (95)© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, it was reported that the Packers are exercising the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, according to FOX Sports NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. This move guarantees $12.9 million for Wyatt during the 2026 season.

Wyatt has played three seasons in Green Bay after being drafted with the 28th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

In those three seasons, he has accumulated 12 sacks, 23 QB hits, 15 tackles for loss, and 74 total tackles. It is important to note that he is not an every-down player and has made much more of an impact pass rushing rather than disrupting the run game.

Wyatt played 41% of the team’s defensive snaps last season, 50% in 2023, and 23% during his rookie year in 2022.

Additionally, the team has yet to pick up fellow 2022 first-round pick and former Georgia linebacker Quay Walker’s fifth-year option. They will need to decide on whether or not to exercise Walker’s option by Thursday’s deadline.

Walker has been a crucial part of Green Bay’s defense, and it’s difficult to see the team not extending him to a deal even if the option is not picked up.

In 2023, Wyatt finished the season with an 80.4 pass-rushing PFF grade (ranked 12th out of 215 eligible defensive tackles). However, he had just a 46.4 run defense grade (ranked 150th out of 215 eligible defensive tackles.

This has been the trend in all three seasons of his career, and it has become clear that the 24-year-old can be one of the most effective pass rushers at the position, but is unable to impact the run game in that same way.

He will need to be much more productive against the run for the team to pay him his worth as a pass rusher.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst has emphasized that he wants both Walker and Wyatt to remain in Green Bay for 2026 and beyond.

The 2025-26 season will play a huge part in how big Wyatt’s new contract is and how much the team really values him as a piece for Jeff Hafley’s defense.

Packers Exercise Fifth-Year Option on Key Pass Rusher

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