Devonte Wyatt's $12.9M Contract Option Exercised by Packers for 2026 NFL Season

Having established himself as a vital member of the Green Bay Packers' defensive line, Devonte Wyatt has had the fifth-year option on his rookie contract picked up.

Per Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, the Packers exercised Wyatt's option year for 2026 that will guarantee him $12.9 million.

This is a bit of a surprise move only because Wyatt hasn't been a starting member of the Packers' defense over the past three years. He has just five career starts, all coming during the 2023 season.

Wyatt has played at least 50 percent of the defensive snaps just 14 times in 47 career games. He was on the field for more than 50 percent of the snaps in both of Green Bay's playoff games during the 2023 season.

A leg injury knocked Wyatt out of the Packers' playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter.

Despite not being a starter, Wyatt has found a niche as part of a rotation. He finished second on the team in tackles for loss (nine) and sacks (five) last season. It was also his first time playing in defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's scheme.

With Hafley returning for a second season, the Packers are likely going to be optimistic about what Wyatt can do after showing a lot of promise in 2024.

It's also a very low-risk move at just $12.9 million to ensure Wyatt is on the roster through 2026. That salary ranks just behind D.J. Jones and Grover Stewart (both at $13 million) in average annual value among interior defensive linemen.

The fifth-year option also gives the Packers additional time to evaluate Wyatt as they decide whether or not they want to give him a long-term contract extension.