Making the Case For Both Keeping & Getting Rid Of Rashan Gary
Whether or not to keep Rashan Gary will be a big decision for Brian Gutekunst and the Packers.
By Dan Saia
The Green Bay Packers have a very interesting offseason ahead of them after their disappointing Wild Card playoff exit at the hands of the hated Chicago Bears. First and foremost, they need to decide if they want to retain Matt LaFleur as their head coach and, if so, come to terms on an agreement to make that happen. Then they need to develop a plan to address their cap issues (they are projected to be millions over as of right now). After that, they need to dive into what they will do with their long list of impending free agents. Have the likes of Romeo Doubs, Quay Walker, and Rasheed Walker played their last game as Packers? We will soon find out.
One of those early offseason decisions that needs to be made involves a player who has been on Packers fans’ minds and has been a subject of conversation all season—and not for a good reason. That player is Rashan Gary. The former first-round pick was supposed to be the premier edge rusher for a team on a quest to finally break through and reach the Super Bowl. Once Micah Parsons became a Packer, it was a dream scenario for Gary. He was going to have one of the league’s best playing opposite him, taking pressure off of him, and a huge season seemed right in front of him.
Eight weeks later, he was sitting at 7.5 sacks and coming off a two-sack performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It seemed like Gary was finally going to hit double-digit sacks for the first time ever and earn a massive contract. Little did we know that second sack against Pittsburgh would be his final one of the season, and he wouldn’t even record a tackle for loss the rest of the way. What was a promising season turned into a nightmare for #52. If the Packers seem poised to “run it back” with LaFleur, will Gary be a part of the core that comes back? Let’s make the case for and against keeping Rashan Gary in 2026.
Case for Keeping Gary:
To be honest, the case for keeping Gary is a tough one. The stats speak for themselves, and they aren’t good for Rashan. To go the second half of a season—which he was completely healthy for—without a sack or even a tackle for loss is simply inexcusable. If we need to find a reason to keep Gary, the easiest one is probably his experience and the lack of experience the 2026 edge room is facing as things currently stand.
Micah Parsons isn’t going to be ready for Week 1; he has admitted as much, saying it will likely be closer to Weeks 3 or 4. Outside of him, Lukas Van Ness, Collin Oliver, and Barryn Sorrell are under contract. LVN is trending up after a positive 2025 season when he was healthy, and Sorrell flashed in Week 18, but both he and Oliver are relatively inexperienced at the NFL level. Kingsley Enagbare and Brenton Cox Jr. are free agents and will most likely have suitors outside of Green Bay. I wouldn’t expect either to return.
As mentioned, the Packers are going to be extremely cap-strapped, and they also lack a first-round pick. With massive roster holes at cornerback, defensive line, and offensive line—and fewer picks than a typical year—they might not have much ammo to add at edge rusher, especially after investments in Parsons, Sorrell, and Oliver. Gary would be the most experienced player at the position until Parsons gets back. It’s possible the Packers won’t want to rely on such a young group for the first quarter of the season, and with limited ways to add bodies, they could decide Gary is the best option.
He also finished the final game of the season, the Wild Card matchup against the Bears, with six QB pressures. On one of them, he even got to the football and disrupted the throw. It’s within the realm of possibility—albeit a small one—that the Packers bank on that performance carrying Gary into a more successful 2026.
Case Against Keeping Gary:
Where do I begin? The first and foremost reason to move on from Gary is that he was not good this past season. The Packers are paying Gary to be a great player—one of the best at his position—not one of the worst, as he was for the vast majority of 2025. As previously mentioned, he finished the season on an 11-game streak without a sack or a tackle for loss. More than half of those games were played with Micah Parsons lining up opposite him.
When Parsons went down with his ACL tear and the Packers were squarely in the mix for the second seed and the NFC North title, they needed Gary more than anyone else on the roster to step up—and he wilted under the pressure.
One of the big questions buzzing around Green Bay, especially with the debate over whether Matt LaFleur should stay or go, is the team’s culture. Are the Packers actually building a culture of accountability, consistency, and championship mentality? What kind of message would it send to bring back a player who so clearly gives less than 100% effort? How many times has a clip been posted online of Gary casually jogging past Caleb Williams or another quarterback?
When Parsons went down and Gary needed to step up, he actually went on to play fewer snaps than before. While he’s never been a big snap player throughout his career, it wasn’t on my bingo card that he would play even less. For context, in the second-to-last game of the season, when the NFC North was still within reach, Gary played just 45% of the snaps and was out-snapped by both Kingsley Enagbare and LVN. This team needs dogs to help break through—not joggers.
The Packers will also certainly want to get their young players on the field and give them as many snaps as possible to gain experience for playoff time. LVN came on in 2025 and will be one of the starters. Sorrell and Oliver impressed, and with another full camp for Sorrell and finally a camp for Oliver, they could take another step. It’s time to get them on the field and see what they can do. If the team does feel inclined to add a draft pick, keeping Gary around would only create a logjam at the top of the depth chart.
Lastly, and maybe most importantly, is the salary cap savings the team can gain by releasing Gary. Based on the massive four-year deal he signed a few years ago, Gary is slated to collect $19.5 million in salary for 2026. In no world is he worth that kind of money. Cutting Gary with two years left on his deal would create $11 million in much-needed cap space as a pre–June 1 release, and up to $19.5 million with a post–June 1 release. That level of savings for the 2026 Packers is more valuable than the 7.5 sacks he provided. It’s rare to see vested veterans agree to any type of salary cut, so that won’t happen. The only realistic solution is to cut him and sever ties with the former Pro Bowler and 2019 first-round pick.
-Dan Saia
Comments (67)
splitpea1
January 15, 2026 at 03:07 pm
"What kind of message would it send to bring back a player who clearly gives less than 100% effort?", and "In no world is he worth that kind of money." Case closed. Save the money and give the young guys a chance to show their stuff (maybe it's enough, maybe it's not, but at least we'll know). End of the line for Gary as a Packer.
Coldworld
January 15, 2026 at 04:05 pm
That only applies if he was healthy. If he wasn’t then that changes things. If he was, then he didn’t play well enough for long enough to justify the cap cost. Since we don’t know unless it’s a potential bar to playing, we may never find out or only much later.
Alberta_Packer
January 15, 2026 at 04:15 pm
Also my thought. Injury could be a mitigating factor. However not a word from either side - so I have my doubts. Still rather than cut Gary - I can see the Packers approaching him to re-negotiate his contract for next season.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 15, 2026 at 08:08 pm
Why would cutting him be better than trading him?
murf7777
January 16, 2026 at 06:49 am
Good question; what is his trade value? My thinking it isn’t much, probably a 5-7th rounder. Also, I’m not a salary cap expert, maybe TGR can chime in, is there a difference in dead money if you cut or trade him?
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
January 16, 2026 at 12:42 pm
Because trading him would require a trade partner and nobody's giving up draft capital for him at his current cap number. Sure it would be great for the Packers, but not likely. Teams will just wait till he hits free agency and sign him for less.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 15, 2026 at 08:07 pm
This is an important aspect. Also, another article made it look like keeping him would only cost $2MM more than cutting him. If that were true it might be worth rolling those dice. (Of course if it's not true and the difference is $19MM plain and simple, so is the decision)
Guam
January 15, 2026 at 03:09 pm
I have to agree with the author - Gary's time in GB should be over.
I was a Gary defender until the second half of this season. He was a pro bowler a year ago and I thought was finally coming into his own. With the acquisition of Parsons and the decline in double teams on Gary, I hoped he would have a banner season in 2025.
Instead, a low effort fizzle in 2025. I saw too many plays this year where Gary simply stopped playing and watched others finish the play. That is unacceptable from a high salary guy who is supposed to be a difference maker. If he is going to mail it in, the Packers need to send him elsewhere and use his salary on people who want to play football.
Gary is not a complete bust of a draft choice, but he is underperforming his contract. Time to move on.
And yes, the Packers may take some lumps in the first part of the season without Parsons, but they have a number of young guys who need experience and will grow with playing time. The team will be better in the second half of the year without Gary and with the younger guys
SicSemperTyrannis
January 15, 2026 at 08:11 pm
Crazy that he was ineffective after the Pittsburgh game. There must be some explanation for that?!? By my eye test he simply quit on the team, but that's just hard for me to accept.
Guam
January 15, 2026 at 08:49 pm
I don't know what happened, but the effort level just vanished at some point. I have never heard of an injury and the Packers have to report injuries by league rule. Just don't know what happened, but something did.
Lare
January 15, 2026 at 03:16 pm
Cutting Gary is a foregone conclusion, he simply isn't anywhere worth the money he is being paid. Move on and take the cap savings, either before or after June 1st.
Since'75
January 15, 2026 at 03:34 pm
He was never worth the money imo.
I never blamed Gary for taking the money.
But i didn't understand his 12th overall pick in the draft, the second it happened.
Gute JUST signed The Smith brothers to free agent contracts worth a combined 100 million.
Then he used the 12th pick to draft an edge rusher to sit on the bench for 2 years.
I damn near lost my mind at that time.
Gute has enough problems in the 1st round, lets not sign so many 1st round guys, to sit on the bench.
IMO, the 12th pick should be a starter,.....period
With the exception being QB in most cases.
dblbogey
January 15, 2026 at 08:32 pm
Seemed like the first of many times Gute fell in love with the RAS score above a guy's actual production. First draft 2018 11 picks got us Jaire & MVS, 2019 Rashan and Elgton (D. Savage). 2020 Love, A.J. Dillon, Runyan. 2021 Stokes " Josh Myers, Amari Rodgers, R. Newman"??? (Yikes) 2022 - Better - Quay, Devonte Wyatt, Christian Watson, Doubs, Rhyan, Zach Tom, Rasheed Walker 7th rd. 2023 LVN, Kraft, J. Reed 2024 Morgan, Cooper, E. Williams, Bullard.
Looks like two strong drafts and some duds. We'll see about Golden, Belton, Sorrel etc.
KenEllis
January 15, 2026 at 03:17 pm
"What kind of message would it send to bring back a player who clearly gives less than 100% effort?"
What kind of message DID it send (to the fan base and the rest of the team) to continue to play a player who clearly gave less than 100% effort during the 2025 season?
Since'75
January 15, 2026 at 03:26 pm
Making the case for keeping Gary, hmmmm.
Well 😁...Thanks for making me smile anyway.
Lets see, his snaps have gone down (puzzling?), he clearly decides to dog it on occasion.
And the money, we all know about.
If someone wants to make a case for keeping him, God bless you.
But i'll sit this one out.
************
So...i thought i was done venting, and i am for the most part.
I listen to a lot of sports talk on the radio, Kuhn's show, Sparky's, and Mason Crosby, plus fox sports.
But i gotta tell ya, since Saturday, all i hear (seems like) is constant injury talk.
It's never an excuse, but it's always part of the excuse isn't it.
I must have heard the word injury, 200 plus times since Sat.
I had such a great feeling in this team after week 2, that i haven't had for quite some time. I don't know why the Packers play slowly declined after that, but it didn't have anything to do with injuries.
Kraft was week 9, Parsons week 12.
I remember the Packers getting into the playoffs without Parsons last season, finishing with a better record (11-6), and a lower scoring defense than this season.
That's why i don't want to hear we lost 4 games in a row, and then the bear playoff game after being up 21-3 because we didn't have Parsons.
Up 21-3 without Parsons? Go figure.
I'll give you that the Parsons injury (helped) expose our weak secondary.
I might get into Elton Jenkins, Banks, etc. and other O line debacles,, Gute, MLF at a later date
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
January 16, 2026 at 12:49 pm
Zack Tom's injury killed them . He got hurt week 1, his replacement cost them a td the following week with a penalty (on the play Jayden Reed got hurt on), he tried coming back week 3 and got hurt immediately followed by the Browns d-line absolutely destroying the Packers oline, and on and on it goes. Remember the 2023 playoff game? Nick Bosa had been silent had been silent the entire game....until Zack Tom got hurt. Then Bosa wrecked what was left of that game. Tom is the 2nd most important player on this offense and everything falls apart without him.
Packerlifer
January 15, 2026 at 03:31 pm
The Packers used four first round draft picks from 2019-22 for a defense they don't play any more. Square pegs don't fit in round holes.
Coldworld
January 15, 2026 at 04:07 pm
To be fair, they were picked for a different defense. That does not include Savage, but it does extend to Van Ness.
dobber
January 15, 2026 at 04:12 pm
I don't think Van Ness is miscast as an even front DE. I'd argue the defense the Packers are playing under Hafley isn't very different from the one he played at Iowa.
Coldworld
January 15, 2026 at 04:35 pm
Maybe, though he wasn’t picked with that in mind. I. My estimation, he’s very close to a bust in this system. He posted in 9 games (seven really as he want fit twice) and had 1.5 sacks. That’s 3.6 sacks per regular season. It does not matter how good against the run one is, that’s a 3rd or 4th DE level of production after 3 seasons. It would be kinder to think him miscast and, to an extent I do.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 15, 2026 at 08:16 pm
I would have loved to have seen him and #52 on the inside, with #1 and (fill in the blank) on the outside. Seems like that will never happen.
TarynsEyes
January 15, 2026 at 03:41 pm
The case to retain Gary would be dismissed for having lack of any standard to proceed.
I just watched an old Law and Order episode.
Since'75
January 15, 2026 at 03:46 pm
This is another gem...lol
Wisconsin Sports Heroics
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon wants new contract, pay raise ahead of 2026 NFL season
*************
You know what they say, lose 5 games in a row at the end of the season and everyone wants a new contract and to get paid....lol
No offence Gute, MLF.
Alberta_Packer
January 15, 2026 at 03:52 pm
So Nixon taking the baton from Elgton Jenkins (2025). Same reply - pound sand.
dobber
January 15, 2026 at 03:52 pm
This call was made last spring when Nixon was talking about being CB1 and they signed Hobbs for twice his money.
Coldworld
January 15, 2026 at 04:09 pm
This call was coming, Hobbs or no. He’s not paid close to a number 1 level of pay and is hitting the now or never age. He will be 29 in late June.
That said, perhaps the only one who thinks he truly is is Hafley. 6 interviews to get a HC role. If he does, trade!
stockholder
January 15, 2026 at 04:16 pm
Nixon should be traded.
Coldworld
January 15, 2026 at 04:26 pm
If Hafley is still here, that is extremely unlikely.
SicSemperTyrannis
January 15, 2026 at 08:39 pm
It would be interesting to offer #25 a new contract, one that decreases his guaranteed money down to his 2025 level of play, and gives him performance bonuses that also include a demerit system for the categories of mistakes that have become typical for him. Structure it such that excellent play gets him excellent pay, fairly along a few different levels.
I'm not suggesting this will actually happen, only that it would be interesting. It seems damning that he can say he played well this season. If he could admit that he messed up entirely too much in addition to playing well at times, that would give more hope for real improvement. It's one thing to "have a short memory" to be able to move onto the next play and give it your best, but after the season is done some introspection and learning is in order.
stockholder
January 15, 2026 at 04:04 pm
Gary is done.
Just like the Smiths.
Gute had to have known.
He should have offered Gary
in the deal for Parsons?
Van Ess was ready!
Forget the fantasy angle.
Parsons back was questionable.
I say Dallas knew it.
AS a packer fan.
I always knew Clark was better than Gary.
And while I love Parsons in GB.
The end of Gary in GB is on Gute.
Another mistake and money down the drain.
dobber
January 15, 2026 at 04:07 pm
Yawn.
It's Parsons' back that's put him on the operating table?
stockholder
January 15, 2026 at 04:12 pm
Don't be hostile.
If you're not interested, don't reply.
The problem is Gute, evaluation of players.
dobber
January 15, 2026 at 04:13 pm
"The problem is Gute, evaluation of players."
Then SAY that.
Don't just flail about with tired and weak narratives.
Coldworld
January 15, 2026 at 04:37 pm
Steady on Dobber. Feisty today!
Coldworld
January 15, 2026 at 04:26 pm
Jerry Jones: (misdial) “No deal unless Kenny Clark is included.”
Stockholder: “You want Rashan Gary.”
Jerry Jones: “I want Kenny Clark or I’m taking a higher offer.”
Stockholder: “You want Rashan Gary!”
Jerry Jones: <<click>. Trades with the Colts.
Stockholder: “if Gute would have signed Parsons, not the Colts, we’d be a dynasty and Rashan Gary would be heading for induction in Canton.”
MooPack
January 15, 2026 at 04:33 pm
Gary Gone.
Idaho Cheese
January 15, 2026 at 05:23 pm
Keep him, not keep him..what does it matter. This is not a serious football team. The decision will come down to whether or not he fits in with the aesthetic look of the Packers, not the production. The same can be said about MLF and Gutey, for that matter. Why would we get rid of Gary for his lack of performance/preparation if that same standard isn't held by the front office?
NFLfan
January 15, 2026 at 05:40 pm
Why wasn't Gary on the lengthy injury report
Leatherhead
January 15, 2026 at 06:28 pm
Gary is $28M against the cap and if we 'get rid of' him, it'll save $11M but will be $17M in Dead Cap.
We have our #1 DE, Parsons, coming back off an injury. Our #3 DE, Enagbare, is a FA. Our #4 DE, Van Ness, missed most of the season. The guys after this haven't really done much in the NFL but they'll get a chance next year. Gary plays a lot of snaps for us, he's a veteran, and he's been a solid piece for us on defense.
I think it's unwise to cut Gary. IMO, it's better to get what we can out of him and then cut him after the 2026 season, when he'll only be $8.5M in dead money. We probably have to replace Enagbare so I'd prefer to keep Gary around with Van Ness and Parsons. That's at least the foundation of some good DE play. If you're unhappy with how much he's getting paid, think of him as an $11M player.
We could cut Jenkins, create $4.5M in dead money, and save $20M against the cap. We could release Diggs , no dead money, and a $12M cap saving. I think both of those are better ideas than creating $17M in dead cap.
Joster11
January 15, 2026 at 07:26 pm
So, I guess the choice is between dead cap and dead weight?
UnoMyName
January 16, 2026 at 07:19 am
That made me chuckle. Thanks!
Since'75
January 16, 2026 at 09:31 am
"Gary is $28M against the cap and if we 'get rid of' him, it'll save $11M but will be $17M in Dead Cap." - LH
That is life in the NFL my friend, when a team over pays for a player.
*******
I'd keep Jenkins before i kept Gary.
Before the unwise move of fixing something that wasn't broke, i'd put Jenkins back to left guard, where he was widely regarded one of the best guards in the league.
Leatherhead
January 16, 2026 at 10:22 am
Jenkins is $4.5M in dead money that would create $20m in cap space. Gary is $17m and would create $11m. Four times the dead money for half the cap space.
Since'75
January 16, 2026 at 09:33 am
"If you're unhappy with how much he's getting paid, think of him as an $11M player." - LH
Yes!!...lie to yourself....lol
Leatherhead
January 16, 2026 at 10:19 am
Math is not a lie. He’ costs $17M. If we want to keep him on the team, it’s going to cost another $11M.
Strat
January 16, 2026 at 02:24 pm
Solid piece of what?
Rick5952
January 15, 2026 at 08:20 pm
I’ve got shoes named after Gary. Black loafers.
Snap the ball
January 15, 2026 at 11:55 pm
Gary played hurt this year. Right hip was bad
A big wallet he sat on. Like George Kazan
TKWorldWide
January 16, 2026 at 07:14 am
Costanza!
Seinfeld!
Well done!
WD
January 16, 2026 at 08:07 am
Is this a joke ?
Since'75
January 16, 2026 at 09:36 am
He's been sitting on a fat wallet for a long time, since the second he got his name called at the draft.
Snap the ball
January 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Did Nixon say. I’m not a crook
TKWorldWide
January 16, 2026 at 07:16 am
He doesn’t hustle. That was easy to see with him and Parsons on the field together. He’s gotta be the least productive physically gifted edge rusher in the entire NFL.
Next!
MooPack
January 16, 2026 at 07:42 am
LVN might make an argument.
TKWorldWide
January 16, 2026 at 09:00 am
Oh, he’s on the list as well, but his current $ makes his play slightly more acceptable.
Ok, to clarify: LVN’S bottom line production is not what you’d like to see from a 13th overall pick, but I DO think he hustles!
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
January 16, 2026 at 12:59 pm
You'll never catch LVN not hustling. Chasing plays down from the backside is one of his best traits.
WD
January 16, 2026 at 08:04 am
It sounds like Rashad Gary is yet another player being singled out as a scapegoat for the lack of sacks by the D-line . A D-line which also had a hard time stopping the run. The problem is not Gary it is the middle of the line after Wyatt went down. Opposing QB s need to be pushed back in the middle to collapse the pocket. Without that; sacks go down.
Has anyone ever thought about letting Gary play in the middle? Or, at least in the rotation? It seems to be that is where he played at Michigan and was damn good at both stopping the run and putting pressure on the QB. He is also a great run stopper for the Packers which seems to be grossly under reported.
It is possible maybe they could trade him? But, it would have to be for a first round pick at least. Frankly, I feel it would be a big mistake allowing him to leave. The Bears or Lions would probably snatch him up him up. Gary does not deserve all the disrespect. Time will tell.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
January 16, 2026 at 12:58 pm
That's not an excuse. You ever look at the lack of talent Parsons had around him in Dallas? Still ripped off double digit sacks every single year. Gary hasnt done it a single time, not even in a season where he had Parsons across from him for like 13.5 games.
TKWorldWide
January 16, 2026 at 02:39 pm
I do not think Gary has the anchor to be an interior run stuffer. He could maybe line up inside on passing downs occasionally like LVN and stop a draw play. But inside on early downs? I don’t think so.
Unless it’s with another team.
Since'75
January 16, 2026 at 09:43 am
Not so fun fact: If Gary played in 2026 with the Packers under his contract, he will have pulled 100 million dollars from the Packers.
Brett Favre career Packer earnings...92 million.
ONLY IN AMERICA!!
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
January 16, 2026 at 12:55 pm
Gary runs his own sports representation agency. He's become a businessman first, football player second. That's why he gives less than 100%. He cares more about maximizing his career than putting it on the line for his team and the fans who make him a rich man. Let him go make business decisions on the field for some other team.
TKWorldWide
January 16, 2026 at 02:42 pm
I heard some very unsettling talk today about a young 52 learning how to use “occasional hustle” from the Smith brothers.
Not good.
To counter that, we have Micah talking about pursuing the ball like his life depends on it. I’ll take that kind of leadership every day and twice on Sundays.
The_Baloney_Stops_Here
January 16, 2026 at 03:43 pm
Not surprising.
Since'75
January 16, 2026 at 05:48 pm
If memory serves, that sports agency dissolved about 3, 4 years ago.
He never had any clients of note, and the most i saw at one time was 4 clients, all tier 3 or 4 players
Since'75
January 16, 2026 at 05:48 pm
He financed that all through his first lottery winnings.
He employed his Mom as President, and an i don't sports agent.
Overhead, labor, benefits, business insurance, etc....
I'm guessing he lost some money on that deal.
Ferrari-Driver
January 18, 2026 at 10:52 am
During his college years Gary had the classic "Look like Tarzan but doesn't play like he looks". He had a total of 10 sack during his entire time in college. Although he looks like he should be a Micah Parson on the football field, he falls dreadfully short.
The Packers should pay him as a rotational player next year and if he is unwilling to a contract adjustment which brings his salary more in line with his on the field production, he shouldn't be on the team next season.
golfpacker61
January 18, 2026 at 11:43 am
Wow Ferrari, my best friend when I worked was a huge Michigan and Bears fan. He warned me before the draft and said Gary was a very lazy player at Michigan who often took plays off. My friend lived and breathed Wolverine and Bears football so I don't think he would lie to me. I got lambasted on here when I reported what he said. But it is what it is and here we are with a terrible contract and realistically a cut will be the only way to get rid of him. Unless he was hurt, there is no excuse for his poor play, almost like he wasn't on the team the last 8 games.
At least Van Ness give effort. Lucas just isn't a great Edge rusher. Before last year I predicted he would move inside an become more valuable. But he still doesn't deserve the 5th year of that contract.