It isn't a secret that Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach enjoys adding former first-round picks, never hesitating to take on a worthy reclamation project. With this in mind, Kansas City should be keeping a close eye on the Green Bay Packers' edge rusher Lukas Van Ness. The two franchises are in a similar position when it comes to pass rushing options. Neither roster has a clear performer, and there is a level of speculation that both teams could be looking to make additions throughout the summer.
If the Packers were to add to the position or have breakout options emerge, there is a clear path to Van Ness becoming a potential trade chip. The almost 25-year-old is in the fourth year of his rookie contract and has yet to come close to performing to expectations. He's produced only nine sacks in three seasons, with the total dropping each season. Still, the talent is obvious, and the Chiefs would have a chance to bring the best out of the first-round selection.
There is also the fact that Kansas City is armed with an extra third-round pick in 2027, with the Trent McDuffie trade bolstering the team's weapons to get a possible deal done. It simply cannot be ignored that the potential fit and the clear need for Van Ness to have a fresh start after continually letting the Packers down.
Chiefs should consider chasing Packers edge rusher Lukas Van Ness
Van Ness had 4.0 sacks in his rookie season and regressed all the way down to 1.5 sacks two years later, with an injury shortening the year. His stock has never been lower, and this is exactly the type of position that the Chiefs would seek out, buying low to bolster a position of need.
With that said, the only potential hiccup here is looking at Green Bay's current pass-rushing options. Star edge-rusher Micah Parsons isn't expected to return until the middle of the 2026 season as he works his way back from a torn ACL.
Parsons being out makes Green Bay's rotation at the position incredibly thin and makes it more difficult for the franchise to justify trading away Van Ness. Still, this increases the chance that a meaningful addition is made at the position and the door is opened for Van Ness to exit. All of this adds up to the Chiefs having every reason to actively explore the trade throughout the summer, understanding the remaining talent and the chance that a change to a far more talented roster could spark a breakout 2026 season.
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