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Pass-rusher Rashan Gary of the Green Bay Packers.
The Green Bay Packers had a glaring need during last year’s offseason. Though they waited until just before the regular season began, they eventually addressed it.
That need was pass rush — and it was largely solved after trading with the Dallas Cowboys for Micah Parsons, even at the cost of veteran defensive tackle Kenny Clark.
At the time, Green Bay wasn’t confident it had enough consistent pressure on the roster. Quay Walker and Luke Van Ness were expected to step into larger roles but never fully met those expectations.
There was also Rashan Gary, who had led the team in sacks the previous three seasons. In 2025, he finished second on the team behind Parsons’ 12.5 sacks, recording 7.5 of his own.
That still gives Gary value — especially with Parsons likely to miss the start of the season while recovering from ACL surgery. However, there’s also a possibility Gary may not return to Green Bay.
Packers Could View Rashan Gary as Cap Casualty
Even though Gary finished second on the team in sacks, it took him 16 games to reach that total. Parsons had five more sacks than Gary while playing two fewer games.
That production, combined with his contract, is why The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman listed Gary as a potential cut candidate.
“Another cut candidate is defensive end Rashan Gary, who has a 2026 base salary of $18 million. Cutting him after he went missing in the second half of the season would free up about $11 million in cap space,” Schneidman wrote.
Gary is entering the third year of the four-year extension he signed in 2023. If the Packers were to release or trade him before June 1, they would incur a $17 million dead cap hit while saving $10.9 million in cap space. A post–June 1 move would spread the $17 million dead cap over two seasons while saving $19.5 million this year, according to Spotrac.
There’s also the possibility Gary seeks a new extension. If those talks don’t materialize, another team could be monitoring the situation.
Eagles Mentioned as Possible Landing Spot
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton suggested the Philadelphia Eagles as a potential suitor, depending on what happens with Jaelan Phillips in free agency.
“Based on general manager Howie Roseman’s tendency to stock up on offensive and defensive linemen, he could be aggressive in an attempt to add a veteran pass-rusher. Don’t be surprised if Rashan Gary is on his radar,” Moton wrote.
Moton did not clarify whether that would come via trade or if Gary were to hit free agency. Much of that will depend on how potential negotiations unfold between Gary and the Packers this offseason.
“If the Packers aren’t willing to work with Gary on a new deal, Roseman may be one of several general managers to make an offer for him,” Moton added.
Reliable pass rushers are always in demand across the league. Even the Eagles know that, with Nolan Smith not having panned out just yet.
Gary’s track record almost ensures he would draw interest from a number of teams if made available — whether that comes through a trade or an outright release.
Shane Shoemaker Shane Shoemaker is a sports journalist covering college football and the NFL for Heavy.com. His work has also appeared in The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, USA TODAY, and ClutchPoints, along with high school sports coverage for the Marion Tribune. More about Shane Shoemaker
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