Another team with two fifth-year option decisions to make before Thursday’s deadline, the Packers will make one by deciding to extend a contract to 2026. They are picking up Devonte Wyatt‘s fifth-year option, per Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz.
The young defensive tackle will lock in $12.94MM guaranteed for 2026 as a result of this transaction. The Packers still have a decision to make on linebacker Quay Walker, though recent history at the position points to that option being declined.
[RELATED: 2026 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker]
The No. 28 overall pick in 2022, Wyatt has notched 10.5 sacks across the past two campaigns while logging snap shares of 50% and 41% during that span. That usage left the Georgia alum — one of five Bulldogs defenders drafted in the 2022 first round — on the bottom tier among D-tackle option prices. Wyatt, 27, has rarely started in Green Bay. He made zero starts in 2022 or ’24 but still managed to make a steady impact over the past two seasons.
Pro Football Focus graded Wyatt 37th among interior D-line regulars last season, though the advanced metrics site assessed his interior pass rush as far better than his run defense. A heavier workload could result in stronger production, although improved play against the run would no doubt be needed for an uptick in usage to come to bear.
Wyatt has combined to total 20 QB hits and 15 tackles for loss over the past two seasons, making it interesting he has not served as a regular starter. The Packers still have veteran Kenny Clark on their payroll, and Wyatt’s option year will come when the longtime contributor’s contract has paid out its guarantees. The Packers, who pivoted from their long-held 3-4 scheme to Jeff Hafley‘s preferred 4-3 look last season, also lost nose tackle T.J. Slaton to free agency. Regardless of first-string status, Clark and Wyatt are Green Bay’s most valuable DTs. The team did not address the position until the sixth round this year.
Green Bay chose Wyatt with its own pick in 2022, doing so after drafting Walker with the first-round pick acquired in the Davante Adams trade. They will have until 3pm tomorrow to determine Walker’s 2026 status. The tea leaves point to the Pack declining Walker’s option, with Brian Gutekunst referencing the outside linebackers hiking the price of the off-ball LBs’ options. Still, the veteran GM wants to retain both players on second contracts.