GREEN BAY – When Jeff Hafley was tabbed as the Packers' new defensive coordinator last February, Devonte Wyatt was expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries from the switch to a 4-3 base defense.
That's largely how things played out.
The former first-round pick was virtually unblockable during the first month of the season, racking up three sacks, five quarterback hits and six tackles for loss in the first four games.
But just when it looked like nothing could stop Wyatt, the 6-foot-3, 304-pound defensive lineman rolled his ankle in the fourth quarter of Green Bay's Week 4 matchup with Minnesota.
It cost Wyatt the next three games, but more importantly, momentum.
"That was a hard one. It took away a lot of my ability. A lot of it," Wyatt said. "I feel like after we played Detroit, I kind of got it back."
Statistically, Wyatt's four-tackle performance against the Lions in Week 13 marked a turning point. The next two weeks, he notched sacks in wins over Seattle and New Orleans.
A penetrating force in the middle of Green Bay's defense, Wyatt finished second on the team in both quarterback hits (nine) and sacks (five) behind Pro Bowl defensive end Rashan Gary.
In doing so, Wyatt become the first Packers defensive lineman to register five-plus sacks, nine-plus tackles for a loss and multiple fumble recoveries in the 21st century.
"I think he's done a nice job. He's been pretty productive," said Head Coach Matt LaFleur near the end of the season. "He's always had the talent, and he's finally putting it together, I'd say. That's the expectation. You've got to continue to push and get better and better and better."
Wyatt was excited about the transition to Hafley's scheme, feeling it allowed him to play free. Aiding that process was the fact Green Bay returned all of its defensive linemen, including three-time Pro Bowler Kenny Clark.
In addition to Wyatt registering consecutive seasons with at least five sacks, the 26-year-old played a role in the Packers notching their best finish against the run – seventh in total yards, third in yards per carry – in 15 years.
Wyatt will have a new position coach next season after the Packers parted ways with Jason Rebrovich, but Clark, Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden are all slated to return on the D-line.
"I definitely do love the system we're in," Wyatt said. "I'm a lot more comfortable and I can move a lot faster. Just being aware of what's going on in the system. … Definitely playing in this system for this first year, it gives me an advantage for next year and being in this system again."
Staying on the field is Wyatt's next key objective. In addition to the ankle injury, Wyatt was evaluated for a concussion against the Vikings in Week 17 and forced out of the Packers' wild-card playoff game against Philadelphia with a lower leg injury.
There doesn't appear to be any long-term concern, though. General Manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters after the season the only injury Green Bay expects to linger into 2025 is receiver Christian Watson's torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Despite playing nearly 200 fewer snaps in 2024, Wyatt still posted comparable numbers on the defensive side of the ball. Just imagine what might be possible with a full 17-game season.
"Being more of a pro, being more consistent, taking care of your body a little bit more," Wyatt said of his future goals. "I'm not saying because I'm getting older, but you've got to take your body serious. So, you can be able to sustain and be in the game longer and fight through little knick-knack injuries."
Wyatt recognizes the gravity of this offseason, as he waits to hear whether Green Bay picks up his guaranteed fifth-year option for 2026. Whatever happens, however, Wyatt feels as though his best is yet to come.
For both himself and the Packers' defense.
"You saw what we did this year," Wyatt said. "Look at what we did this year. We were a top five defense, we finished. The guys we got here, the young guys, Quay Walker, me, some of them were banged up. … A lot of people were playing through sickness and soreness and injuries. I mean, it's going to be wicked next year."
