Packers double down on first-round investment and send clear message about their long-term defensive vision
The Packers decided to keep Devonte Wyatt under contract through 2026 making use of the fifth-year option. Fox Sports' NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the news. A decision has not been released yet in regards to the other Packers 2022 first-round pick, off-ball linebacker Quay Walker. It's certainly not a cheap decision, at $12.9 million, […]
The Packers decided to keep Devonte Wyatt under contract through 2026 making use of the fifth-year option. Fox Sports' NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the news. A decision has not been released yet in regards to the other Packers 2022 first-round pick, off-ball linebacker Quay Walker.
It's certainly not a cheap decision, at $12.9 million, but the fact that Wyatt didn't reach the playing time threshold to elevate his option to the level 2 or made the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons make it more palatable.
At the same time, those are reasons for concern. A first-round pick in 2022, Wyatt hasn't established himself as a full-time starter—he's yet to play 50% of the defensive snaps in a season in the NFL. But with TJ Slaton leaving in free agency, Wyatt becomes a much bigger part of the defensive front.
The Packers are excited with his potential, and the value doesn't sound bad based on how expensive the interior of the defensive line players have been.
"D-Wy was probably the most consistent pass rusher from the inside this year," general manager Brian Gutekunst said after last season was over. "There were some injuries, but we are proud of the way they attacked those and played through some things this year."
Wyatt was entering the final regular year of his rookie deal. This season, he is slated to make $2.458 million.
Over the past two seasons, Devonte Wyatt had 77 total pressures and 10.5 sacks. Even though he is a limited run defender, Wyatt is one of the best interior rushers in football—and that, per se, has a big value. The Packers didn't draft a defensive tackle until taking Warren Brinson in the sixth round, which made the decision on Wyatt easier and more impactful.
Since the 2020 CBA, fifth-year options are fully-guaranteed at the moment the team exercises it.
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