Packers trade Rashan Gary to Cowboys in surprise NFL deal after sack drought sparks questions
Rashan Gary during a Packers game before his trade to the Cowboys.
The Green Bay Packers are finalizing a deal to send defensive lineman Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2027 draft pick, according to league sources. The move signals a major shift for both franchises as the NFL offseason begins to reshape team rosters ahead of the new league year.
Reports indicate the compensation will be a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, while other sources describe the pick as a Day 3 selection. The trade is expected to become official once the new league year begins.
Gary, who has spent his entire career in Green Bay since being selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, now heads to Dallas after seven seasons with the Packers.
Rashan Gary’s Packers Tenure Comes to an End
Gary was the 12th overall pick in the 2019 draft and became one of the most recognizable defensive players for Green Bay over the past several seasons.
During his time with the Packers, he played in 106 games and recorded 46.5 sacks. His athleticism and pass-rush ability made him a key part of the team’s defensive front.
However, despite flashes of elite play, Gary never recorded a double-digit sack season during his time in Green Bay.
He signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension during the 2023 season, leaving two years remaining on the deal at the time of the trade.
Early 2025 Season Surge Followed by Late Collapse
Gary began the 2025 season in dominant form.
Through the first seven games, he recorded 7.5 sacks and looked poised to finally break through with a double-digit sack campaign.
But the momentum disappeared quickly.
Despite playing all 17 games during the season, Gary did not record another sack after the seventh game.
From Weeks 10 through 18, he failed to register a sack while hundreds of other NFL players recorded at least one during that span. He also did not log a tackle for loss during that period.
The dramatic drop in production raised questions about his role and long-term value within the Packers defense.
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Playing Time and Role in the Packers Defense
Gary’s playing time also became a topic of discussion during the season.
He participated in just 58.3 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur explained that the reduced snap count was not unusual for Gary, saying he has “never been a huge snap-count guy.”
Still, the limited usage was notable considering Gary’s significant salary and status as one of the team’s highest-paid defenders.
At one point, his cap hit ranked second on the roster behind quarterback Jordan Love.
Financial Factors Behind the Trade
Salary cap considerations appear to have played a major role in the Packers’ decision.
Trading Gary is expected to free up roughly $11 million in cap space for Green Bay this year. His cap number had been among the largest on the roster, making him a logical candidate for a cost-saving move.
Even though Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst previously praised Gary’s pass-rush ability, the organization ultimately decided his production did not justify his price tag moving forward.
The decision reflects the tough roster choices teams often face when balancing performance and financial flexibility.
Cowboys Strengthen Defensive Front
For the Cowboys, acquiring Gary adds another experienced pass rusher to their defensive line.
Dallas has consistently prioritised building a disruptive defensive front, and Gary’s ability to generate pressure could provide valuable depth and rotational strength.
Even though his production dropped late in 2025, Gary still recorded 60 pressures during the season, demonstrating that he can remain a disruptive presence when used effectively.
The Cowboys will likely hope a change of scenery helps the 28-year-old rediscover the form he showed earlier in the season.
Social Media Farewell Added to Trade Speculation
Days before the trade reports surfaced, Gary posted a message on social media suggesting his time in Green Bay had come to an end.
The post was quickly deleted, but it sparked speculation about his future with the team.
With the trade now emerging, the post appears to have hinted at the end of his tenure with the Packers.
What the Trade Means for Both Teams
The deal marks the end of an era for Green Bay’s defensive line while giving the Cowboys another experienced edge defender.
For the Packers, the move creates additional salary cap flexibility and opens the door for younger players to take larger roles in the defense.
For Dallas, it represents a calculated gamble that Gary can regain the form that once made him one of the most promising pass rushers in the league.
As the NFL offseason continues, the trade could become one of the more talked-about defensive moves leading into the 2026 season.
FAQ
Why did the Packers trade Rashan Gary?
The Packers traded Gary largely due to salary cap considerations and inconsistent production late in the 2025 season. The move frees up around $11 million in cap space while allowing the team to restructure its defensive roster.
What did the Cowboys give up for Rashan Gary?
Dallas is sending a 2027 draft pick to Green Bay. Reports indicate the pick is expected to be a fourth-round or Day 3 selection.
How many sacks did Rashan Gary record with the Packers?
Gary finished his Packers career with 46.5 sacks across seven seasons and 106 games.
Why did Rashan Gary’s production drop in 2025?
After recording 7.5 sacks in the first seven games of the season, Gary did not record another sack for the remainder of the year. Analysts pointed to reduced playing time and defensive scheme adjustments as possible factors.
What is Rashan Gary’s contract situation?
Gary signed a four-year, $96 million extension in 2023. At the time of the trade, he still had two years remaining on that deal.
How old is Rashan Gary?
Gary is 28 years old and was drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
How will Rashan Gary fit with the Cowboys defense?
The Cowboys are expected to use Gary as part of their pass-rush rotation, strengthening the defensive front and adding depth to their edge rushing unit.
Did Rashan Gary hint at leaving the Packers earlier?
Yes. Gary posted a message on social media suggesting his time with the Packers had ended, but the message was later deleted.
When will the trade become official?
The deal is expected to become official when the NFL’s new league year begins.
What does this trade mean for the Packers defense?
The Packers gain financial flexibility and could use the opportunity to develop younger defensive players or pursue new talent in the draft or free agency.