If one simply looked at the Green Bay Packers record in 2024, one would have assumed that they had a rather successful season. Their 11-6 record, after all, was good enough to earn them a Wild Card spot, putting them in the NFL Playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Upon second glance, however, there were a great deal of frustrating trends that plagued the team all year long. These came to fruition in the Wild Card round when the Packers were sent home early by the eventual Super Bowl LIX Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
One of these things was the lack of a consistent pass rush, which has brought the future of former first round pick Lukas Van Ness into question.
Green Bay Packers Edge Rusher Lukas Van Ness Has Not Lived Up to His First Round Pick Status
The Packers defense had 45 sacks last season, tying them for the eighth most in the NFL. While that may sound like a positive stat and ranking, the fact of the matter is that 15 of them, or one-third of their season total, came from just two games. They had eight team sacks against the Tennessee Titans in Week Three and seven against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15.
Of course, 30 combined sacks in their other 15 regular season games was far from optimal. It was especially disappointing considering the fact that defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who was in his first year with the team, had predicted that his scheme would create havoc in the backfield.
Instead, opposing quarterbacks, more often than not, had all day to throw.
One of the players that was most criticized last season was 2023 first round pick Lukas Van Ness. The second-year pass rusher played just 39% of the defensive snaps (after playing 33% as a rookie) and recorded just 3.0 sacks.
By comparison, Brenton Cox, who was an undrafted free agent in 2023, recorded 4.0 sacks while playing just 35% of the defensive snaps and in 10 fewer games than Van Ness last season.
The Green Bay Packers Are Urged to Trade Lukas Van Ness to the Cincinnati Bengals for Trey Hendrickson
Unlike other positions of need (cornerback, wide receiver, offensive line), Green Bay did not address pass rusher in free agency. However, they did select Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver in the 2025 NFL Draft to add depth and competition to that room.
The fact remains, though, that the Packers did not make any proven additions to a group that was underwhelming in 2024. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes that Green Bay could change that by trading Van Ness and a couple draft picks in the Cincinnati Bengals for four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson:
Cincinnati Bengals Get: 2026 3rd-Round Pick, 2026 5th-Round Pick, Lukas Van Ness
Green Bay Packers Get: EDGE Trey Hendrickson
“Remember the Packers drafted Van Ness before they hired defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley in January 2024. Perhaps Van Ness isn’t an ideal fit for Hafley’s scheme. If that’s the case, Green Bay can try to swap him and a couple of draft picks for Hendrickson.
“If the Bengals prefer to move on from Hendrickson, they may be interested in Van Ness, who’s seven years younger with upside and on a rookie deal. The Packers can put together the most appealing offer if they’re willing to package the former first-rounder with draft capital.
“Hendrickson and Rashan Gary would be a fearsome starting duo on the edge.”
Hendrickson has recently voiced his frustration with the Bengals over their lack of communication in regard to a contract extension. He led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season.
More Green Bay Packers News from Gridiron Heroics
- Former Packers Kicker Signs with the San Francisco 49ers
- Packers 1st Round Pick Matthew Golden Reveals Rookie Season Goals That Would Challenge Franchise Records
- “He Never Once Said a Word to Me;” Packers HC Matt LaFleur Breaks Silence on Disgruntled Wide Receiver
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