The Green Bay Packers went all-in with the Micah Parsons trade, but the superstar defender’s arrival could spell the end of the Lukas Van Ness era. Selected with the 13th-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Iowa product has yet to earn a starting job but carved out a role as a situational runner. Van Ness has appeared in 34 games over the past two seasons, recording seven sacks, 65 tackles, 14 tackles-for-loss, and 16 quarterback hits.
While he could make the fabled Year 3 leap, Parsons’ presence makes it unlikely he’ll earn enough playing time to reach his potential. The Packers can save $2.3 million with a trade, and several teams should be interested in Lukas Van Ness if he is made available.
Packers Could Trade Lukas Van Ness After Micah Parsons Move
Possible Destinations
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans hope to have their quarterback of the future in first-overall pick Cam Ward, but they won’t win too many games with their current defensive line. The team has one of the weakest rosters in the league and probably shouldn’t use too much draft capital on veterans. However, they could make an exception with a Lukas Van Ness trade. The former first-round pick shouldn’t cost too much in a deal, and he’s entering his age-24 season. A change of scenery could be the best thing for him, and he should have plenty of good years ahead if he can turn around his career.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers need to find a capable edge defender after second-round pick Nic Scourton suffered a lung injury. The Panthers should improve on their strong finish to 2024, as almost every major offensive contributor will return and the defense added several players along the defensive line and in the secondary. However, they still need another pass rusher, and a Lukas Van Ness trade could be just what the doctor ordered. Playing in a weak NFC South, the Panthers might just be an edge defender away from winning the division.
Main Photo: Christine Tannous – Imagn Images
