The Green Bay Packers are facing a classic NFL conundrum: navigating the tricky waters of the salary cap. As they look to get under the 2026 cap, they're currently several million dollars over. However, with some savvy moves, they have the potential to free up space before the new league year kicks off.
One of the most straightforward strategies involves restructuring existing contracts to reduce cap hits. Yet, the tougher decisions often involve releasing players, especially those whose performance hasn't quite matched their paycheck. Enter Rashan Gary, a name that's been buzzing around the rumor mill.
Rashan Gary's potential release shouldn't catch anyone off guard
The buzz around Gary, highlighted in a recent analysis, paints a clear picture. With Micah Parsons now a key figure in Green Bay's defense, and assuming his recovery from an ACL tear goes smoothly, the Packers might lean on younger talents like Kingsley Enagbare and Lukas Van Ness for edge support. Gary, despite back-to-back seasons with 7.5 sacks, finds himself in a precarious position.
At 28 years old, Gary carries a hefty price tag of over $28 million for 2026. For a team with limited cap room, saving nearly $11 million by releasing him is a tempting option. The financial logic is hard to ignore.
But it's not just about the dollars. Gary's performance tapered off dramatically in the latter half of the season.
After a strong start with 7.5 sacks in seven games, he failed to register another sack. More concerning were the instances where he seemed to hold back in pursuit, allowing teammates to chase down quarterbacks instead.
All signs point to the Packers parting ways with Gary this off-season. While it might be a tough call, it’s far from shocking. It's a move that aligns with both financial strategy and on-field performance considerations.