Rashan Gary’s Future in Green Bay Looks Uncertain After Late-Season Collapse
When the 2025 season kicked off, Rashan Gary looked like he was finally putting it all together. Through the first two months, he racked up 7.5 sacks and was playing with the kind of burst and power that had long teased his potential.
Lining up opposite Micah Parsons, who arrived in Green Bay with plenty of fanfare and a massive contract extension, Gary seemed to benefit from the added attention Parsons drew. It looked like the Packers had struck gold with a fearsome edge-rushing duo.
But then, the production just stopped.
After October 26, Gary didn’t record a single sack. Not one.
That’s 10 straight games - including the team’s playoff exit at the hands of the Bears - without getting to the quarterback. For a player carrying a $28 million cap hit in 2026, that’s not just a cold streak.
That’s a massive red flag.
Let’s be clear: when you’re being paid like a premier edge rusher, the expectations are simple - you have to produce. Especially when you’re playing opposite a guy like Parsons, whose presence should, in theory, make your job easier.
But Gary couldn’t capitalize. Whether it was scheme, execution, or something else entirely, the results just weren’t there.
Now, the Packers are staring down a tough but necessary decision.
Why a Post-June 1 Cut Makes Sense
From a financial standpoint, the writing’s on the wall. If the Packers release Gary after June 1, they’d free up $19.5 million in cap space - a much-needed injection of flexibility for a team currently projected to be $4.3 million over the cap.
The downside? They’d carry $8.5 million in dead money for both 2026 and 2027.
But that’s a manageable price to pay if it means opening the door to address more pressing needs.
And Green Bay has plenty of them.
The secondary needs help. A reliable backup behind Jordan Love is a priority, especially with Malik Willis set to hit free agency.
The offensive line has been a revolving door of injuries and inconsistency, leaving Love under pressure far too often. All of these areas require attention - and money.
Right now, Parsons and Gary are set to count for a combined $47.2 million against the cap in 2026. That figure jumps to $57.8 million in 2027.
The problem? Gary’s cap number is actually higher than Parsons’ in both years.
And when you compare their production, the value just isn’t there for Gary.
A Costly Decline
Gary’s late-season drop-off wasn’t just a blip - it was a full-on disappearance. For a player who looked poised to break out, the vanishing act couldn’t have come at a worse time.
And it’s not like he was battling a major injury or playing limited snaps. He was out there.
He just wasn’t making plays.
If the Packers do move on, Gary will likely be staring down a short-term, prove-it deal on the open market. That’s a steep fall from where he was just a few months ago, but it’s the reality of the league. Production drives value, and Gary’s 2025 season - or at least the second half of it - didn’t deliver.
What’s Next for the Packers?
Cutting Gary would be the first domino in what needs to be a calculated offseason for Green Bay. It’s not just about freeing up money - it’s about reallocating resources to build a more balanced, competitive roster. Parsons is still a cornerstone piece, but the Packers need to find someone who can consistently complement him off the edge.
That might come through the draft. It might come via a cheaper free agent with upside. But it’s clear that the current setup - with Gary carrying a massive cap number and delivering minimal impact down the stretch - isn’t sustainable.
Sometimes, tough decisions are necessary to move forward. And for the Packers, moving on from Rashan Gary might be exactly that - tough, but necessary.