Cowboys, Packers Make Another Trade; Dallas Will Reportedly Land Rashan Gary
#Rashan Gary #Dallas Cowboys #Green Bay Packers #NFL trade #edge rusher #salary cap #draft pick
📌 Key Takeaways
- The Dallas Cowboys acquire edge rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick.
- Gary, 28, recorded 7.5 sacks in 2025 and has been a consistent defensive force for the Packers over the past five seasons.
- The Cowboys sought pass-rushing help after trading Micah Parsons last year and having one of the league's weakest pass rushes in 2025.
- The Packers save nearly $11 million in cap space by trading Gary, who had a high salary cap hit for 2026.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
NFL Trades, Team Strategy
📚 Related People & Topics
Green Bay Packers
National Football League franchise in Green Bay, Wisconsin
The Green Bay Packers are a professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. They are the third-oldest franchise in the NFL, established in 1919, and are...
Rashan Gary
American football player (born 1997)
Rashan Gary (born December 3, 1997) is an American professional football defensive end for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL).
Dallas Cowboys
National Football League franchise in the Dallas metropolitan area
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The team is headquartered in Frisco, Texas, and has played its home ga...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This trade is significant because it addresses the Dallas Cowboys' critical need for pass-rushing help after their defense struggled last season, ranking last in passing yards allowed. It impacts the Cowboys' defensive strategy and playoff aspirations, while the Packers gain cap relief and a future draft asset, affecting their roster flexibility and rebuild plans. The move also reshapes the NFC landscape, potentially altering team dynamics ahead of the 2026 season.
Context & Background
- The Cowboys traded star edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers in August 2025, creating a major void in their pass rush.
- Dallas' defense recorded only 35 sacks in 2025, tied for the eighth-fewest in the NFL, highlighting their urgent need for improvement.
- Rashan Gary was the Packers' first-round pick in 2019 and has been a consistent performer, with 39.5 sacks since 2021.
- Green Bay faced salary cap pressure with Gary's $28.02 million hit for 2026, making a trade or release likely to save money.
- The Cowboys had previously pursued other edge rushers like Maxx Crosby, showing their aggressive approach to bolstering the defense.
What Happens Next
The Cowboys will likely integrate Gary into their starting lineup for the 2026 season, with potential additional moves for free-agent edge rushers like Trey Hendrickson. The Packers will use the cap savings to address other roster needs, possibly in free agency or the draft. Both teams may face further trades or signings as the NFL offseason progresses, with impacts on their defensive schemes and competitive outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Packers traded Gary primarily to save cap space, as his $28.02 million hit for 2026 was burdensome; they gained nearly $11 million in relief and a future draft pick.
This trade helps the Cowboys by adding a proven edge rusher to improve their weak pass rush, which had only 35 sacks last season and ranked last in passing yards allowed.
The Cowboys gave up a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft to acquire Rashan Gary from the Packers.
Yes, Gary was expected to leave due to cap issues, and he posted a farewell message on Instagram before removing it, indicating a release or trade was imminent.
Gary had 7.5 sacks in 2025 and 54 pressures, ranking 18th among edge rushers per Pro Football Focus, showing he is a solid contributor.