Full Breakdown
Dallas Cowboys Acquire Rashan Gary from Green Bay Packers
3/9/2026, 7:48:40 PM
Trade Details and Context
The Dallas Cowboys have acquired edge rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. This trade comes as the Cowboys sought to bolster their pass-rushing capabilities after missing out on a deal for Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders. The Cowboys had previously traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers, making this transaction a notable reversal in their dealings with Green Bay.
Rashan Gary's Performance and Contract
Rashan Gary, a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has had a mixed career trajectory. Over his seven seasons, he has recorded 46.5 sacks, with a peak performance of 9.5 sacks in 2021. However, his production has declined significantly, particularly in the latter part of the 2025 season, where he failed to register a sack in his final ten games. His contract, which includes base salaries of $18 million in 2026 and $21 million in 2027, is not guaranteed, raising questions about his value at this stage in his career.
Financial Implications for Both Teams
For the Packers, trading Gary allows them to clear approximately $11 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season, despite incurring $17 million in dead money. This move was crucial for the Packers, who were previously only $9.7 million under the cap. General Manager Brian Gutekunst had indicated that Gary's performance had not matched his contract, making the trade a strategic decision to enhance the team's financial flexibility.
Criticism and Analysis
Critics of the Cowboys' acquisition have pointed out that while Gary can provide some edge rush support, his recent performance raises concerns about whether he is worth the financial commitment. Analysts have graded the trade as a C+ for Dallas, citing the cost of acquiring a player who was likely to be released. Conversely, the Packers received an A- for their ability to secure a draft pick instead of releasing Gary outright, which was the anticipated outcome.
Official Statements and Responses
Brian Gutekunst expressed that while Gary had shown early promise, his production waned significantly towards the end of the season. "He started out really, really strong... but I did think towards the end of the year he wasn't as productive," Gutekunst stated. This sentiment reflects the Packers' rationale for moving on from Gary, despite his past contributions.
What's Next for Both Teams
The Cowboys will need to address their salary cap situation to accommodate Gary's contract, potentially restructuring it to lower his cap hit. Meanwhile, the Packers will likely seek to fill the gap left by Gary's departure, as they now have a pressing need for edge rushers in their defensive lineup. The trade not only reshapes the immediate rosters of both teams but also sets the stage for their strategies in the upcoming draft and free agency.
