BREAKING: Former Packers HC Mike McCarthy Pushes Steelers to Trade for His Favorite Player in Green Bay – A Move Packers May Find Hard to Refuse

Posted May 21, 2026

Green Bay, Wisconsin – Mike McCarthy, former Green Bay Packers head coach, who is currently leading the Pittsburgh Steelers, is reportedly aggressively pushing his new team to execute a trade to acquire Lukas Van Ness — one of the players he values most highly in Green Bay.

McCarthy, who knows the Packers organization inside out after 13 years as head coach (2006–2018), believes Van Ness is the ideal piece to strengthen the Steelers’ pass rush and fits perfectly into Pittsburgh’s defensive system.

Lukas Van Ness, the Packers’ first-round selection (pick 13) in the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown tremendous potential even though he has not yet fully exploded statistically.

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After three seasons, he has recorded 8.5 sacks, 84 tackles, and 17 tackles for loss. Van Ness is famous for his “freakish athleticism,” long arms, and strong run defense.

The Packers exercised Van Ness’ fifth-year option at the end of April 2026, guaranteeing him approximately $13.8 million for the 2027 season.

However, with the EDGE room quite crowded (including Micah Parsons) and salary cap pressure, Green Bay may consider trading the 24-year-old if they receive a reasonable offer.

For the Steelers, acquiring Van Ness would allow Mike McCarthy to have a young, powerful EDGE to pair with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, adding youth and depth to the defensive front.

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McCarthy believes Van Ness’ athletic traits and potential will make him a long-term cornerstone in Pittsburgh.

Potential trade package: The Steelers could send the Packers a second-round pick (around pick 40–50) along with a third-round pick or another depth player. This is considered a fair price for an EDGE with high upside.

Although trading Van Ness is not the Packers’ top priority (especially after exercising the fifth-year option), the salary relief and additional draft capital could make it difficult to refuse, especially as the team focuses on developing young talent.

As the 2026 offseason heats up, all eyes are on the potential negotiations between the Packers and Steelers. Acquiring Lukas Van Ness would be a strong statement by Mike McCarthy in his first year back in Pittsburgh, immediately upgrading the Steelers’ defense and increasing their competitiveness in the AFC North.

This deal could significantly change the defensive fronts of both teams for years to come and promises to be one of the most attractive trades of the 2026 NFL offseason.

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According to confirmation from Matt Schneidman, the Packers have completed a preliminary agreement with an $80 million superstar edge defender - providing a quality addition to replace Micah Parsons for the first half of the season
Green Bay, Wisconsin – The Packers have just made a strategic move that could reshape their 2026 season as, according to confirmation from Matt Schneidman, the NFL reporter specializing in the team, they have completed a preliminary agreement worth $80 million with a superstar edge defender. This information immediately caused a stir in the Packers fan community and NFL media, becoming a hot topic of debate on social media. This move comes in the context of Micah Parsons likely missing the early part of the season due to an ACL injury, leaving the Packers facing a significant gap on their defensive front. Haason Reddick, 32 years old, is the player mentioned, a veteran EDGE rusher with rich experience and the ability to put constant pressure on the quarterback. Reddick stands out thanks to his speed, flexibility, and superior athleticism, while also possessing a deep understanding of Jonathan Gannon’s system, who is currently the Defensive Coordinator of the Packers. This addition is expected to bring experience, depth, and stability to the team, especially as young EDGE players like Lukas Van Ness need guidance on the field. The preliminary agreement has settled the main terms, but it still needs to pass a physical examination before being officially signed and taking legal effect. Sources indicate that a reasonable salary along with a short-term contract helps the Packers balance their budget while still upgrading their defense. In his NFL career, Reddick has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice (2022, 2023) and earned Second-team All-Pro honors (2022), with his peak 2022 season featuring 16 sacks, 26 QB hits, and leading the NFL in forced fumbles, making important contributions in helping the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII. He has a total of 61.5 sacks over nine NFL seasons and is well known for his ability to create turnovers and apply continuous pressure on quarterbacks. Experts assess that although Reddick has turned 32, he still has enough ability to provide the leadership and stability the Packers need in the early stages of the season. The combination of Reddick and the young EDGE players promises to create a flexible defense that will make every quarterback cautious. Fans immediately expressed excitement about this news, seeing it as a clear signal of the team’s playoff ambitions and long-term plans. The Packers hope Reddick will help reduce the pressure on Micah Parsons when he returns, while maintaining continuous pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This decision also demonstrates the team’s tactical vision, especially with the challenging 2026 schedule and many prime-time games requiring a strong defense. Analysts predict that Reddick will have a positive impact on the entire defensive unit, from linebackers to the secondary, elevating the whole team. The Packers are planning special training sessions to help Reddick integrate quickly and maximize his potential. If the deal is finalized, Reddick will not only fill the gap left by Parsons but also become an important veteran pillar, helping the Packers maintain defensive strength throughout the season. The NFL community is closely following the contract process, and Green Bay fans hope that this addition will bring a breakthrough season and many memorable moments at Lambeau Field. The Packers’ 2026 season, with Reddick on the defensive front, promises to be a combination of experience, speed, and power, creating a difficult-to-defeat team full of promise in their playoff journey.

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