Posted on Mar 09

Cowboys acquire pass rusher Gary from Packers for 2027 fourth-round pick

Posted Mar 9, 2026

The Dallas Cowboys have bolstered their defense by acquiring pass rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2027.

Why it matters: This trade signifies the Cowboys' commitment to strengthening their pass rush as they aim for a deeper playoff run.

Gary's acquisition is particularly notable given the Cowboys’ recent struggles to maintain consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, especially after losing Donovan Ezeiruaku to hip surgery.
The move also clears nearly $11 million in salary-cap space for the Packers, showcasing the financial strategy behind the trade.

What’s new: Rashan Gary arrives in Dallas under a four-year, $96 million contract, with an annual salary of $18 million.

He recorded 46.5 career sacks, placing him sixth in Green Bay history since the league began officially tracking sacks in 1982.
Last season, Gary showcased his potential with 7.5 sacks in just the first seven games before experiencing a drop-off in production due to injuries and limited playing time.

Yes, but: Gary's inconsistent performance raises questions about his fit within the Cowboys' defensive scheme.

He only participated in 58.3% of defensive snaps last season, reflecting a pattern in his career where he has not been a high-snap player.
His coach, Matt LaFleur, noted that “he's never been a huge snap count guy,” which may limit his impact unless the Cowboys adjust their rotation strategy.

What to watch: The Cowboys must integrate Gary into their system efficiently to maximize his talents.

With Micah Parsons already established as a dynamic force on defense, pairing him with Gary could create significant mismatches against opposing offensive lines.
How the Cowboys choose to deploy both players will be critical—whether they opt for a more aggressive 4-3 look or maintain their 3-4 setup will influence their overall defensive effectiveness.

The big picture: This trade reflects broader trends in the NFL where teams are increasingly prioritizing elite pass rushers.

The Cowboys previously attempted to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, underscoring their desire to enhance their defensive front. However, Crosby was ultimately traded to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks, illustrating the fierce competition for top-tier pass rusher talent.
As Jadeveon Clowney remains a free agent, the Cowboys may further explore options to round out their defensive roster.

The bottom line: For the Cowboys, Rashan Gary represents an investment in immediate defensive improvement, but questions linger about his capacity to perform consistently at a high level.

The success of this trade will ultimately depend on how well he adapts to a new environment and whether the coaching staff can effectively utilize his skill set alongside Parsons and other key defensive players.

Cowboys acquire pass rusher Gary from Packers for 2027 fourth-round pick

Alex Parker

Posted Mar 9, 2026

The Dallas Cowboys have bolstered their defense by acquiring pass rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a fourth-round pick in 2027.

Why it matters: This trade signifies the Cowboys' commitment to strengthening their pass rush as they aim for a deeper playoff run.

Gary's acquisition is particularly notable given the Cowboys’ recent struggles to maintain consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, especially after losing Donovan Ezeiruaku to hip surgery.

The move also clears nearly $11 million in salary-cap space for the Packers, showcasing the financial strategy behind the trade.

What’s new: Rashan Gary arrives in Dallas under a four-year, $96 million contract, with an annual salary of $18 million.

He recorded 46.5 career sacks, placing him sixth in Green Bay history since the league began officially tracking sacks in 1982.

Last season, Gary showcased his potential with 7.5 sacks in just the first seven games before experiencing a drop-off in production due to injuries and limited playing time.

Yes, but: Gary's inconsistent performance raises questions about his fit within the Cowboys' defensive scheme.

He only participated in 58.3% of defensive snaps last season, reflecting a pattern in his career where he has not been a high-snap player.

His coach, Matt LaFleur, noted that “he's never been a huge snap count guy,” which may limit his impact unless the Cowboys adjust their rotation strategy.

What to watch: The Cowboys must integrate Gary into their system efficiently to maximize his talents.

With Micah Parsons already established as a dynamic force on defense, pairing him with Gary could create significant mismatches against opposing offensive lines.

How the Cowboys choose to deploy both players will be critical—whether they opt for a more aggressive 4-3 look or maintain their 3-4 setup will influence their overall defensive effectiveness.

The big picture: This trade reflects broader trends in the NFL where teams are increasingly prioritizing elite pass rushers.

The Cowboys previously attempted to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, underscoring their desire to enhance their defensive front. However, Crosby was ultimately traded to the Baltimore Ravens for two first-round picks, illustrating the fierce competition for top-tier pass rusher talent.

As Jadeveon Clowney remains a free agent, the Cowboys may further explore options to round out their defensive roster.

The bottom line: For the Cowboys, Rashan Gary represents an investment in immediate defensive improvement, but questions linger about his capacity to perform consistently at a high level.

The success of this trade will ultimately depend on how well he adapts to a new environment and whether the coaching staff can effectively utilize his skill set alongside Parsons and other key defensive players.