Green Bay, Wisconsin – A sudden earthquake has hit the NFL offseason as Lukas Van Ness, the star EDGE rusher selected by the Packers in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has issued a strong statement amid swirling trade rumors.
According to multiple sources, Van Ness is extremely upset and strongly opposes the possibility of being traded by the Green Bay Packers to the Pittsburgh Steelers — the team showing aggressive interest under former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.
After June 1 — the date when the NFL trade market typically becomes more active — rumors of the Steelers wanting to acquire Van Ness have intensified. Mike McCarthy, who coached the Packers for 13 years, is reportedly pushing hard for Pittsburgh’s front office to pursue the deal.
However, Van Ness’s reaction has been fierce. According to those close to the player, he made his position crystal clear:
“I respect the game and understand this is a business, but I will never wear black and gold. If that is the only option, then I may just end my career right now.”
The statement quickly spread and caused a major shock within the Packers fanbase. Van Ness, who just had his fifth-year option exercised by the Packers (worth approximately $13.8 million for the 2027 season), is viewed as one of the brightest young talents on the team.
In his three NFL seasons, Van Ness has recorded 8.5 sacks, 84 tackles, and 17 tackles for loss. Although he has not yet fully broken out, he is highly regarded for his freakish athleticism, long arms, and strong run defense. Many believe he will become a long-term cornerstone for the Packers.
The fact that Mike McCarthy — a man who knows the Packers organization better than almost anyone — is actively trying to bring Van Ness to Pittsburgh has added even more drama to the situation. For Van Ness, wearing a Steelers uniform would not just be a team change, but also mean leaving the only organization he has known since entering the league.
As of now, the Packers have not made any official moves regarding a trade of Van Ness. However, with salary cap pressure and a crowded EDGE room, the team may be open to listening to offers. Still, Van Ness’s strong statement will undoubtedly force Packers’ leadership to think very carefully before making any decision.
This is a rare case of a first-round pick just three years into his career publicly threatening retirement to express loyalty to his team. The situation has put the Packers’ front office in a difficult position: wanting to keep a talented young player while dealing with pressure coming directly from the player himself.
The future of Lukas Van Ness in Green Bay has become more uncertain than ever as the 2026 NFL offseason continues.
