The Packers Have the Resources To Improve the Defensive Line Immediately

Brian Gutekunst took the podium Tuesday morning for his annual combine

"We need to affect the quarterback with four," Gutekunst said. "How we do that remains to be seen. We had good moments last year but just need to be more consistent. ... That’s gotta get better if we’re going to accomplish the goals we have this season."

Gutekunst has not ruled out adding to his pass rush. With the Packers projected to have over $46 million in effective cap space, they have the resources to make a splash in free agency. Names like Khalil Mack, Chase Young, Josh Sweat, and Azeez Ojulari are expected to hit the open market, offering the potential to improve the defensive line immediately. Mack generated more pressure than Rashan Gary, even while playing one fewer game.

While Green Bay will likely explore free agency to strengthen its pass rush, Gutekunst remains confident in its current players. He expects a “big jump” from Lukas Van Ness in 2025.

“[Van Ness] does everything he can,” Gutekunst said. “He is everything you want in a professional as far as his work ethic and what he puts into it, and I expect him to take a big jump this year.”

Despite high expectations, Van Ness had fewer sacks than Keisean Nixon and Edgerrin Cooper in 2024. He finished with only three sacks and six quarterback hits across 428 snaps – down from four sacks and 10 quarterback hits on 365 snaps as a rookie. Meanwhile, Will McDonald IV, whom the New York Jets drafted two spots after Van Ness, recorded 41 more pressures in 2024.

Between Weeks 12 and 16, Van Ness showed noticeable progress, totaling 12 pressures and recording three sacks against the San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins. His pass-rush grade improved from 58.5 to 64.7. However, the Packers need him and others on the defensive front to turn these flashes of success into more consistent production.

Green Bay's pass-rush unit as a whole was disappointing in 2024. Rashan Gary led the team with 47 pressures, which only ranked 31st among qualified edge rushers. Kenny Clark, who signed a three-year, $64 million extension after a career-high in sacks the previous year, managed only one sack in 2025. Gutekunst noted that Devonte Wyatt was Green Bay’s most consistent interior pass rusher, but injuries limited his availability last season.

Meanwhile, Kingsley Enagbare, T.J. Slaton, Karl Brooks, and Colby Wooden have largely been rotational players.

One crucial way for Green Bay to improve its pass rush is by getting Gary on the field more. Gary played fewer than 60% of the snaps in games in which he was active. Green Bay's approach stands out as unusual compared to other top edge rushers in the league. Myles Garrett played 76%, Nick Bosa 78%, and a returning-from-injury Micah Parsons saw 82%. Maxx Crosby is known for his relentless motor and played 97%. Even rotational players like Josh Sweat (63%) and Chase Young (63%) logged more snaps than Gary.

There are 10 edge rushers making $21 million or more per year, and Gary is among them. Over the past three seasons, his nine peers' average snap count (adjusted for injury) stands at 78.9%.

Conversely, Gary has played only 59.5% of snaps during the same period. His snap percentage over the last two seasons has been even lower, averaging only 54.9% despite starting all 17 games each year. Green Bay is investing significant money in Gary, yet he's spending too much time on the sidelines. It’s time for the Packers to reconsider this approach.

Gutekunst sounded optimistic that Green Bay’s current guys will figure it out, but he’ll likely look to add to the group. However, the Packers’ pass-rush issues go beyond just their players. The coaching staff needs to ensure that their best pass rushers are on the field as much as possible. For Green Bay, the problem isn’t just who is rushing the passer – it’s also about ensuring the right players are on the field at the right time.