Iowa Hawkeye Alum Van Ness Inks Deal with Packers

The Packers had a pair of first round picks in 2022, and may very well have a pair of first rounders in 2024, but this year's lone first round selection for Green Bay has officially signed his rookie contract.

Lukas Van Ness, who was taken at #13 overall in April's NFL Draft, has officially signed his deal.

Per SB Nation:

Get our free mobile app

Per Spotrac, the 13th overall pick’s four-year contract with the Packers is expected to be around $17.4 million including a $9.6 million signing bonus for a 2023 cap hit of $3.2 million. For reference, the 14th overall pick in the draft (Broderick Jones), signed for $16.6 million and a $9.1 million signing bonus. Jones’ entire deal was fully guaranteed.

It's a hefty payday for the young pass rusher, who figures to rotate in to a talented defensive front this season as a rookie.

Van Ness joins fellow pass rushers Preston Smith, Rashan Gary, Justin Hollins, and Kingsley Enagbare in what is a scary group for the Packers.

In his college career at the University of Iowa, the Illinois native tallied 13 sacks over 2 seasons, and played in a total of 26 games for the Hawkeyes.

The Packers open the preseason by facing the Cincinnati Bengals on August 11th and open the regular season at Chicago on September 10th.

Sources: SB Nation and Sports Reference (Stats)