GREEN BAY – It took the Green Bay Packers only a few days following the NFL draft to move onto their next order of business.
The Packers are exercising the fifth-year option on Devonte Wyatt’s rookie contract, a source confirmed to PackersNews. Wyatt was the 28th overall pick in 2022, making his fifth-year option available. The deal keeps Wyatt with the Packers through the 2026 season, paying him $12.9 million that year.
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Fox Sports was first to report Wyatt’s fifth-year option being exercised.
Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (95) chases Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) during their football game Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
It was an expected move after Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said last week he would like to keep Wyatt and linebacker Quay Walker, the 22nd overall pick in 2022, on his roster long term. The Packers have until May 1 to exercise Walker’s fifth-year option. Exercising Walker’s fifth-year option would come at a 2026 price tag of $14.7 million, which would make him the seventh-highest-paid player at his position in the NFL. That salary might make an extension this offseason more palatable.
Wyatt has shown glimpses of being a productive interior pass rusher in his first three seasons. He has 10.5 sacks over the past two years and appeared to be on the verge of a breakout last September before an injury interrupted his trajectory. Wyatt had three sacks in his first three games last season before the injury. He wasn’t fully healthy until late in the season but closed with two sacks in his final two games.
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If he stays healthy this fall, Wyatt could become the Packers’ top interior pass rusher with Kenny Clark entering his age-30 season. He’s also a stout run defender, making him equally effective on early downs.
This article originally appeared on Packers News: Packers exercise fifth-year option on defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt