Cowboys Shockingly Trade for Rashan Gary From Packers – Dallas Plans Immediate Contract Adjustment for Star Pass Rusher
DALLAS, Texas – Just hours before the NFL free agency market began heating up, Dallas Cowboys made one of the most eye-catching moves of the offseason by reaching a trade agreement with the Green Bay Packers to acquire pass rusher Rashan Gary.
According to multiple reports, the Cowboys sent a fourth-round draft pick to Green Bay in exchange for Gary, who had been one of the Packers’ most productive defensive players over the past several seasons. However, the 28-year-old’s performance appeared to decline late last season, creating uncertainty about his long-term future with the franchise.
In fact, the Packers were reportedly considering releasing Gary as his contract entered its final two seasons, carrying cap numbers of $19.5 million and $22.5 million. Notably, neither year included guaranteed money — a contract structure Green Bay has frequently used with veteran players.
Despite that possibility, the Cowboys did not want to risk Gary entering the open market and sparking a bidding war among multiple teams. Instead, Dallas moved quickly to complete a trade, ensuring they would gain exclusive negotiating control over the veteran pass rusher.
According to Nick Harris, the Cowboys are expected to quickly restructure Gary’s contract. Because the current deal carries no guaranteed salary, Dallas has significant flexibility to adjust the structure and potentially reduce his 2026 salary-cap hit.
The trade has drawn mixed reactions from fans and analysts, with some questioning why Dallas would surrender a draft pick for a player who might have been released anyway. Still, the Cowboys believe acting early allowed them to avoid a competitive free-agency race for Gary’s services.
Another key factor behind the move is familiarity within the Cowboys’ coaching staff. Dallas’ new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, worked in Green Bay when Gary was drafted in 2019. In addition, the Cowboys’ new pass-rush specialist coach, Brandon Jordan, has also trained Gary during several offseasons throughout his career.
With those connections in place, the Cowboys believe Rashan Gary can quickly adapt to their defensive system. If the move works out as expected, Dallas may have found a major piece capable of strengthening its pass rush and putting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks in the seasons ahead.
May You Like
