Cowboys Trade for Packers Star Rashan Gary

Controversial move aims to bolster Dallas' pass rush

Mar. 17, 2026 at 10:35pm

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The Dallas Cowboys have acquired star defensive end Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. The trade has drawn mixed reactions, with some analysts criticizing the move due to Gary's high contract, but the Cowboys believe he can be a game-changer for their defense.

Why it matters

The Cowboys were in need of bolstering their pass rush after losing key edge rushers in free agency. Gary, despite a recent dip in production, offers a blend of run-stopping ability and pass-rushing potential that the Cowboys believe will improve their entire defensive line.

The details

The initial backlash to the trade focused on Gary's $19.5 million average cap hit over the next two seasons. However, Gary has since agreed to a pay cut, significantly reducing his cap hit to just $5.44 million in 2026 and $8.24 million in 2027. This financial flexibility allows the Cowboys to address other needs without being overly constrained by the salary cap. Additionally, new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker previously coached Gary in Green Bay, providing a level of familiarity and understanding.

  • The Cowboys acquired Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers on March 17, 2026.

The players

Rashan Gary

A defensive end who recorded 46.5 sacks in seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

Jerry Jones

The owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.

Christian Parker

The new defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, who previously coached Rashan Gary in Green Bay.

Kenny Clark

A defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys who previously played with Rashan Gary on the Green Bay Packers.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to integrate Rashan Gary into their defensive scheme and see how he performs alongside their other defensive linemen.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' acquisition of Rashan Gary highlights the growing trend in the NFL of teams prioritizing versatile edge rushers who can excel in both run defense and pass rushing. The trade also demonstrates the importance of scheme fit and the value of contract restructuring to maintain cap flexibility.