Packers rising defender nails exactly how he sees his role, and it comes right after the team made a major investment in his future
The Green Bay Packers made a big investment in Devonte Wyatt three years ago, taking him in the first round of the draft. This offseason, the team doubled down on him, picking up Wyatt's fifth-year option of $12.938 million for 2026. Now, the defensive tackle has more clarity about his future and can solely focus on improving as a player.
Over the first three years of his career in the NFL, Wyatt has been a premier interior rusher, but the lack of ability to stop the run has precluded him from having a bigger role within the defense. The defender knows that, and he's ready to change the narrative.
"I'll just say on my run game a little more," Wyatt said when asked about what he was working on more this offseason. "Just attacking the man. That's it, really, just being more violent during the course of the offseason."
Over the past two years, Wyatt generated 77 total pressures. However, his PFF run defense grades were 46.4 in 2023 and 51.9 in 2024, below average numbers for someone who intends to be a full-time player. That's mostly why last season, even considering only the 14 games Wyatt was available to play, he was on the field for only 41% of the defensive snaps. Without TJ Slaton, who left in free agency, Wyatt needs to step up for the defense to maintain the improvements seen last year in the run area.
During Joe Barry's tenure as the defensive coordinator, the Packers were 31st in rush EPA on defense. Last year, the team improved to eighth under Jeff Hafley.
"All of us communicating and working together," Wyatt said about why the unit improved last year. "We just getting that knock back being on man, being one-on-ones, and being disruptive upfront. Because win upfront and you win most games."
Big part of the Packers' project to develop players upfront is the coaching change, going from Jason Rebrovich to DeMarcus Covington. So far, the former New England Patriots defensive coordinator has left a good impression.
"My coach has done a great job communicating, keeping me active, just talking to me in meetings, making sure I know the little small things, formations, and stuff like that," Wyatt said. "But yeah, he's been doing a great job with me."
Devonte Wyatt is entering his fourth year in the NFL. Now that the Packers exercised his fifth-year option, he has two seasons left on his deal. The former first-rounder is slated to make $2.458 million in 2025 and $12.938 million in 2026.
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