Packers urged to add $8.4 million free agent veteran to cover for first-round bust

If there’s one position the Green Bay Packers may not feel entirely confident about heading into the 2025 season, it’s their pass rush.

Set to field one of the youngest rosters in the NFL once again, Green Bay has promising talent across nearly every position. But when it comes to getting after the quarterback, the trio of Lukas Van Ness, Rashan Gary, and Quay Walker may leave much to be desired.

Van Ness, a former first-round pick, has yet to live up to expectations—and is already being labeled a bust by some. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin didn’t hold back in his recent evaluation.

“Van Ness felt destined for the Green Bay Packers even before he landed in Lambeau, coming out of Iowa with a background in hockey, but he’s been more of an intriguing Midwestern story than a difference-making pass rusher so far,” Benjamin wrote. “Nicknamed ‘Hercules’ in college, he’s yet to make his first official NFL start, managing seven total sacks since 2023 as part of the club’s edge rotation. Coach Matt LaFleur indicated this summer Van Ness could also be deployed as an interior defender to help spark his impact.”

NFL reporter Matt Lombardo echoed those concerns, saying the Packers’ pass rush is built more on potential than production—and that it’s time for Green Bay to act by signing veteran free agent Matthew Judon.

“Lukas Van Ness has never come close to living up to his billing as the No. 13 overall pick in 2023, Rashan Gary has been wildly inconsistent, and Quay Walker had just 2.5 sacks in 13 games last season,” Lombardo wrote. “Adding Judon as a heat-seeking missile and pass-rush mercenary after he posted 6.5 sacks with the Falcons last season and has 37.5 sacks over the past four seasons could be the kind of disruptive force up front that coordinator Jeff Hafley needs to boost an unproven cornerback room.”

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The Packers cut ties with their most talented corner, Jaire Alexander, this offseason. While they added veteran Nate Hobbs, the secondary remains young and unproven. Though 32-year-old Judon may not be in his prime, he could bring the veteran presence and production Green Bay needs to transform its defense—and take a legitimate step toward contention in 2025.

Judon is currently listed in ESPN's top-10 unsigned free agents. His market value is two-years, $8.4 million, according to Spotrac.