The Dallas Cowboys are shaking things up with a new trade deal involving the Green Bay Packers, hoping for a better outcome than past transactions. On Monday, the Cowboys secured defensive end Rashan Gary in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick.
This move will become official at the start of the new league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Dallas is on the hunt to fill the void left by DE Micah Parsons, who was traded to the Packers before the 2025 season. Although they initially aimed for DE Maxx Crosby, who ended up with the Baltimore Ravens, the Cowboys have now landed on Gary. While he might not pack the same punch as Crosby or Parsons, Gary has the potential to be a valuable addition to "America's Team."
How Rashan Gary Enhances the Cowboys' Defense
Gary is set to reunite with former Packers teammate, defensive tackle Kenny Clark, and join forces with DTs Quinnen Williams and Osa Odighizuwa. This lineup promises to elevate the Cowboys' defensive line to one of the top units in the NFL.
In 2025, Odighizuwa ranked 11th among interior D-linemen in pressures (52), with Williams close behind, tied for 12th (51). Clark also made his mark, tying for 18th with 44 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.
Gary, the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, will boost the Cowboys' pass rush. As a one-time Pro Bowler, he tied for 20th among edge rushers in pressures (60) last season.
The Cowboys are banking on Gary to maintain this momentum in 2026. He started strong with 7.5 sacks in the first seven games last season but didn't add to that tally afterward.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst noted Gary's early-season success, highlighting his impressive production with over sixty pressures and 7.5 sacks. However, Gutekunst also acknowledged a dip in productivity as the season progressed.
While the Cowboys lack another pass-rusher of Parsons' caliber to open up opportunities for Gary, they are counting on him to excel in one-on-one matchups next season.
Despite these challenges, the trade is a solid move for Dallas. By acquiring Gary, the Cowboys aim to strengthen a defense that allowed the most points in the league (30.1 points per game) in 2025. This addition could be a key step in turning their defensive struggles around.