The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to acquire edge rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers, according to a source familiar with the transaction. The trade was finalized on Monday as NFL teams began negotiating with free agents. In exchange, the Cowboys will send a late-round draft pick in 2027 to Green Bay.
This trade marks the second consecutive year in which the Cowboys and Packers have completed a deal involving an edge rusher, continuing an ongoing relationship between the two franchises.
Details and Background on Rashan Gary and Previous Trades
Rashan Gary, who was the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, spent the first seven years of his career with the Packers. Last season, he recorded 7.5 sacks but struggled in the final 10 games during a year marked by inconsistency. The Packers had hoped that the addition of Micah Parsons, whom the Cowboys acquired from Green Bay last year, would boost Gary’s performance.
The Parsons trade itself was notable, as the young star linebacker soon signed a record-breaking $188 million, four-year deal with $136 million guaranteed, the largest contract ever for a non-quarterback. That trade also sent defensive tackle Kenny Clark to Dallas, strengthening the Cowboys’ defensive front.
Gary’s career accomplishments include surpassing 7.5 sacks in four of the last five seasons. Since 2020, he ranks alongside T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett with at least 40 sacks, 100 quarterback hits, five forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. Now 28 years old, Gary will bring veteran experience to Dallas’s defense.
Context of the Trade Within NFL Free Agency Activity
The timing of this trade comes as other significant moves shake up the league landscape. The Miami Dolphins recently released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, joining other high-profile quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, who is expected to enter free agency after being released by Arizona. Additionally, the Dolphins agreed to trade safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets for a seventh-round pick.
Beyond this trade, the NFL offseason continues to see teams reshaping rosters, including moves by the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. The Giants re-signed tight end Chris Manhertz and running back Devin Singletary, preserving key offensive players under new leadership from coach John Harbaugh. Safety Gunner Olszewski was also retained, while receiver Wan’Dale Robinson may depart in free agency despite his impressive 1,000-yard receiving season.
The Vikings secured linebacker Eric Wilson on a three-year, $22.5 million deal, ensuring the veteran’s continued presence after a strong season featuring career highs in tackles for loss, sacks, quarterback hits, and forced fumbles.
Significance of Rashan Gary’s Arrival in Dallas and Future Outlook
This move signals a clear intent by the Cowboys to strengthen their pass rush and defensive depth by adding a versatile, proven edge rusher. Gary’s blend of size, experience, and production is expected to complement the existing defensive framework, particularly following the impact Parsons has had since arriving from Green Bay.
Gary’s recent actions, such as posting and then deleting a farewell message to Green Bay on social media, hinted at the impending transition, reflecting a mutual understanding that a change was imminent. His arrival in Dallas completes a rare back-to-back exchange of high-impact defenders between the two teams, cementing a unique interconnection.
As NFL free agency unfolds, the Cowboys’ addition of Rashan Gary places them in a stronger position to compete defensively in the upcoming season, while fans and analysts will closely follow how quickly Gary adapts to his new environment and the impact he has alongside established stars.
“The Cowboys and Packers reached the deal just as free agents were being allowed to talk to teams and reach agreements on contracts that can’t be signed until the league year begins Wednesday.” ?Person familiar with the deal
“Gary, T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett are the only NFL players with at least 40 sacks, 100 quarterback hits, five forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries since 2020.” ?Person familiar with the deal
“A week before the season started last year, the Cowboys traded young star Micah Parsons, who immediately signed a $188 million, four-year contract with $136 million guaranteed. It was the richest contract for a non-QB in league history.” ?Person familiar with the deal
“This trade caps an eventful few days for Gary. He had posted a farewell to Green Bay on Instagram in Friday — an indication the Packers were about to move on from him — but he deleted the post later that day.” ?Person familiar with the deal
“Wilson, who returned to his original team last season, had career highs in tackles for loss (17), sacks (6 1/2), quarterback hits (10) and forced fumbles (four).” ?NFL Network
