One name drawing attention as a potential game-changer is Brenton Cox Jr., with suggestions that he could be the key to generating pressure if Parsons is sidelined early. Cox, 26, joined Green Bay as an undrafted free agent in 2023 after college play at Florida. In the three seasons since, he has appeared in 15 games with one start, totaling 316 NFL snaps — 243 on defense and 73 on special teams. He has recorded 17 tackles, 10 quarterback hits, six tackles for a loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles. These numbers reflect solid production relative to his playing time.
Green Bay signed Cox to a one-year contract for $1.7 million to return for the 2026 campaign. He and fourth-round rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton from Penn State are both viable rotation options on the edge while Parsons is out. If the Packers do not add more edge-rushing talent via free agency or a trade before the season starts, either Cox or Dennis-Sutton could earn a Week 1 starting role opposite Lukas Van Ness against the Minnesota Vikings on September 13.
Cox has acknowledged the challenge, stating that many players have had to step up in Parsons’ absence and expressing confidence in his ability to contribute and rush the quarterback.
Lukas Van Ness, entering his second season, is expected to take on a larger leadership role. After a trio of seasons with mixed results following his 2023 first-round selection, Van Ness has reportedly shown strong potential. Early-season optimism from teammates and coaches suggests he could emerge as a primary pass-rusher if he stays healthy. Van Ness has emphasized enjoying the game and embracing a versatile defensive system that allows players to perform with less hesitation and more freedom.
In OTA sessions and offseason work, Van Ness has been highlighted for his performance and leadership potential within a defense that prioritizes adaptability and varied schemes. The coaching staff’s emphasis on versatility could enable Van Ness, Cox, and Dennis-Sutton to form an effective pass-rushing rotation as the season progresses.
Overall, the Packers’ edge-rushing situation hinges on how quickly Cox or Dennis-Sutton can translate opportunities into sustained pressure, especially with Van Ness stepping into a more prominent role. If no additional acquisitions are made, the opening weeks will test the team’s depth and determine how well the defense can maintain pressure without Parsons.
