The Dallas Cowboys acquired Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers in a strategic trade ahead of the 2025 NFL season as part of their ongoing effort to rebuild a formidable defense. After trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay, the Cowboys turned to Gary—who requested a move from the Packers—to bolster their 3-4 base defense under new coordinator Christian Parker.
Details of the Rashan Gary Trade
In the trade deal, the Cowboys received edge rusher Rashan Gary, while the Packers secured a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. This exchange reflects Dallas’s intent to adapt quickly following Parsons’s departure and strengthen their pass-rushing capabilities.
Evaluating Dallas’s Acquisition of Gary
The Cowboys’ grade for this trade stands at B-, as Rashan Gary offers a promising yet incomplete solution for the team’s edge rush shortcomings post-Parsons. Coming from a defensive scheme similar to Dallas’s new system, Gary is expected to serve effectively as the secondary pass rusher, complementing one or more primary disruptors on the defensive line.
The Cowboys had also pursued Maxx Crosby, who was traded to Baltimore by Las Vegas, and are anticipated to target Bengals free agent Trey Hendrickson next. Combining Hendrickson with Gary would create a strong pass-rushing duo for Parker’s defense.
Gary, selected 12th overall in 2019, has demonstrated consistent production, earning his first Pro Bowl nod in 2024 after recording 7.5 sacks—a total he matched in the previous season. Over 106 games, he has accumulated 46.5 sacks and shows versatility by playing both defensive end and outside linebacker, with the latter remaining his primary role.
What the Trade Means for Green Bay
The Packers also earned a B- grade for moving a player who no longer wished to remain on their roster and obtaining fair draft compensation in return. Although Gary was an effective complementary edge rusher alongside Parsons, he no longer fit as a cornerstone in Jonathan Gannon’s revamped defensive strategy.
Green Bay is restructuring its linebacker corps by allowing Quay Walker to depart after acquiring Zaire Franklin from the Colts. The team plans to rely on emerging talents like Kingsley Enagbare and Lukas Van Ness to pressure offenses focused on Parsons. Additionally, they may seek reinforcements on the defensive line, potentially adding veteran defensive tackle Calais Campbell, who previously excelled under Gannon’s coaching in Arizona.
Implications for Both Teams Moving Forward
This trade marks a significant turning point in Dallas’s defensive rebuild, continuing the domino effect triggered by Parsons’s move to Green Bay. Rashan Gary’s arrival helps Dallas maintain a competitive edge rush while they explore further improvements, such as acquiring Trey Hendrickson. For Green Bay, the deal reflects a commitment to reshaping their defense by investing in youth and adjusting their roster under Gannon’s leadership.
