Packers Trade Rookie DT After Failing to Meet Expectations

April 10, 2025

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- The Green Bay Packers have parted ways with defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, trading the 2022 first-rounder to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2025 fourth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-rounder, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday. The deal ends a disappointing three-year run for Wyatt, whose tenure never matched the hype, leaving Packers fans reeling.

Wyatt, 26, arrived as the No. 28 pick from Georgia, touted for his quickness off the snap. But the spark fizzled fast. In 2024, he posted a projected 25 tackles and 2 sacks across 17 games—his weakest yet (Packers.com). Over three seasons, he notched just 65 tackles and 5.5 sacks, a far cry from the disruptive force Green Bay envisioned beside Kenny Clark.

“We expected more from Devonte,” GM Brian Gutekunst said. “This move’s best for both sides.” With Clark anchoring and Za’Darius Smith’s return bolstering the line, Wyatt’s $4.13 million 2025 cap hit (Over The Cap) became expendable. The trade nets $2.77 million in cap relief, with $1.36 million in dead money—a modest haul after an 11-6 wild-card exit exposed defensive gaps.

The Eagles, losing Milton Williams to free agency, see Wyatt as a low-risk gamble. Jordan Davis hasn’t panned out as a DT1, and Philly’s pass rush from the interior lagged in 2024 (web ID: 13). With $18 million in cap space, they absorb Wyatt’s deal, hoping his 5.5 sacks hint at untapped potential under DC Vic Fangio.

Packers fans unloaded online. “Wyatt’s a bust—good riddance!” one vented. “A fourth for a first-rounder? Brutal,” another lamented. Selected to ignite the trenches, Wyatt’s PFF grades lingered below 60, overshadowed by Clark and Smith’s dominance.

Philly banks on a change of scenery. At 6-foot-3, 304 pounds, Wyatt’s athleticism (web ID: 15) could shine alongside Fletcher Cox’s successors. For Green Bay, the picks bolster a nine-pick 2025 draft haul, eyeing stars like Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams.

It’s a somber reset. Wyatt’s exit—after Quay Walker’s trade talks—marks another Gutekunst whiff. At 26, he’s young enough for redemption, but Packers Nation mourns a first-round flameout.

Green Bay pivots, picks in hand, chasing a Super Bowl. Wyatt’s new shot lies in Philly—Packers fans just hope it doesn’t haunt them.