The Dallas Cowboys have been making waves on the trade front this week, sending Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers and bringing in Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers. This move has sparked a lot of chatter, and for good reason.
Initially, fans and media alike were puzzled by the decision to trade a 2027 fourth-round pick for Gary, especially given the hefty price tag he carried. Many thought Dallas might have overpaid for a player rumored to be a potential cap casualty. However, the Cowboys had a plan up their sleeve.
On Thursday, Dallas reworked Gary's contract, transforming the narrative entirely. As reported by ESPN's Todd Archer, Gary agreed to a two-year, $32 million deal with $16 million guaranteed, significantly reducing his cap hit from $19.5 million to just $5.4 million in 2026. This renegotiation was a strategic masterstroke by the Cowboys.
Here's the breakdown: Gary's contract includes a $13.2 million bonus, with a $1.8 million salary and a $1 million active roster bonus for 2026. In 2027, his salary jumps to $15 million, with another $1 million roster bonus. The first year is fully guaranteed, and the deal cleverly incorporates four void years to spread out the cap hit.
Before the trade, Gary was the 15th-highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL, with a four-year, $96 million extension signed with the Packers in 2023. Now, with an average annual value of $16 million, he's ranked 27th at his position. This puts him below players like Alex Highsmith and Chase Young, and on par with Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo.
For the Cowboys, this is a steal. Gary's performance over the past three seasons speaks volumes: 161 pressures, 23 sacks, 77 defensive stops, 57 quarterback hits, and a 74.5 run-defense grade. These stats highlight his impact on the field and the value Dallas is getting.
Trades often face immediate scrutiny, but the Cowboys' strategic approach to Gary's contract makes this deal look exceptionally savvy. By saving $14.1 million in cap space this season, Dallas has positioned itself well for future moves, possibly hinting that the trades involving Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas were part of a broader strategy.
In the end, the Cowboys' front office has shown that patience and planning can turn a questionable trade into a strategic win.