The cliché states that NFL stands for “not for long” and for many players that is true. They can go from being stars to being discarded in a hurry or do the reverse with one outstanding season. With that in mind, here are five Green Bay Packers players on defense who face a crossroads in their careers in 2026. These players could become significant contributors next season, find themselves on the bench or even out of a job before the season even starts. They are not listed in any particular order. You can see our list of offensive players here.

Packers Players On Defense Who Are at a Crossroads in Their Careers in 2026, Number Five: CB Carrington Valentine

Carrington Valentine has come a long way since the Packers selected him in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. In three seasons, the Kentucky alum has started 30 games including 11 contests last season. That’s exceptional for a seventh-round draft pick.

Valentine gives the Packers some physicality at cornerback and he’s been good in coverage. According to pro-football-reference.com, opposing quarterbacks completed just 59.7 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Valentine.

However, Valentine has his flaws as well. He has been inconsistent in coverage and his efforts at tackling have been poor and at times embarrassing.

This year will be the final season of Valentine’s rookie contract. He needs to play well in 2026 to solidify himself as a full-time NFL starter rather than a depth player.

Number Four: LB Edgerrin Cooper

Edgerrin Cooper may have a starting role locked up, but the 2026 campaign will determine if he’s a good player or a star capable of earning All Pro honors.

In his rookie season, the former Texas A&M star became a playmaker despite having limited playing time. He recorded 3.5 sacks, forced a fumble, intercepted a pass, and recovered two fumbles. He also broke-up four passes and recorded 13 tackles for loss. Last season, those numbers fell off. He didn’t intercept a pass, only recorded 0.5 sacks and had just four tackles for loss.

Departed defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley didn’t utilize Cooper the same way in 2025 after the Packers traded for Micah Parsons. It remains to be seen how new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will utilize Cooper this season. The departure of Quay Walker may also impact the way the team uses Cooper.

Cooper appears capable of being a difference maker who can disrupt an offense. It’s up to him to prove his rookie season was no fluke.

Packers Players On Defense Who Are at a Crossroads in Their Careers in 2026, Number Three: DT Devonte Wyatt

Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt will play the 2026 season on his fifth-year option. Will he play well enough in 2026 to earn an extension from the Packers?

When he’s on his game, Wyatt provides the Packers with pressure on opposing quarterbacks from the interior of the defensive line. In 10 games last season, he recorded four sacks, seven quarterback hits and six tackles for loss.

Last year was the first time Wyatt became a full-time starter in the NFL. He needs to remain healthy and be productive as a pass rusher in the middle of the Green Bay line to earn a new contract with the team. If he fails to do that, he could become a permanent rotational player going forward despite his immense talent.

Number Two: LB Ty’Ron Hopper

Will Ty’Ron Hopper be able to step in and claim a starting job in 2026 after two seasons as a backup and special teams performer? The departure of Quay Walker may give him an opportunity, but the switch to a 3-4 base defense under Gannon may stand in his way.

Hopper has speed and is physical but hasn’t yet mastered the defense. He started two games in 2025, the first two starts of his NFL career. He also contributed on special teams. Hopper finished the season with 24 tackles including one tackle for loss. He also forced one fumble.

If Hopper can take a step forward in his third NFL season, the third-round pick out of Missouri could take on a larger role in the defense. If not, he could be the next Oren Burks, who was another day two draft pick who mostly exceled on special teams.

Packers Players On Defense Who Are at a Crossroads in Their Careers in 2026, Number One: DE Lukas Van Ness

The Packers knew Lukas Van Ness would need time to develop into an everyday NFL player when they selected him in the first round of the 2023 draft. That prediction proved to be true. Last season, Van Ness started two games, the first two starts of his three-year pro career.

Van Ness has all the physical tools you look for in an edge rusher, but the productivity hasn’t been there consistently. He improved at defending the run last season but still only played 45 percent of the team’s defensive snaps and recorded 1.5 sacks in nine games.

Since the Packers traded Rashan Gary to Dallas, Van Ness became the favorite to start opposite Parsons.

The Packers have to decide by this May whether to exercise Van Ness’ fifth-year option. If he plays well in 2026, he could earn an extension whether they pick up his option or not. If he fails to excel, he will likely be playing somewhere else in 2027.

 

 

 

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