Why the Packers Could Be Eyeing a Rashan Gary Trade in 2026 - And Why It Makes Sense
When the Green Bay Packers locked in Micah Parsons to a blockbuster extension, it was the kind of move that defines a franchise’s direction for years to come. Parsons is a generational talent, the type of player you build a defense around.
But in the NFL, where the salary cap forces tough decisions, every big signing comes with a ripple effect. And in Green Bay, that ripple might end up pushing out another high-level pass rusher: Rashan Gary.
Gary, a proven veteran with 7.5 sacks already this season - matching his 2024 total - remains a productive force off the edge. He’s on pace to finish in double digits, which would only boost his value in a league that’s always hungry for pass rushers. But here’s the reality: with Parsons now commanding top-tier money, keeping Gary at his current price tag becomes a luxury the Packers might not be able to afford.
Gary is set to carry a $28 million cap hit in 2026. That’s a hefty number, especially when you're already paying Parsons elite money to play the same position.
And while Gary is still producing, the economics just don’t add up. Two top-dollar edge rushers on the same roster is a tough balance to strike - even for a team with a solid cap strategy.
So what’s the move?
From a roster-building perspective, the answer might be to trade Gary and reinvest the savings. Moving him would free up nearly $20 million in cap space for 2026 and $22 million more in 2027.
That’s not just pocket change - that’s flexibility. Flexibility to reinforce other positions, add depth, or even lock up rising stars before they hit the open market.
And let’s be clear: this wouldn’t be about Gary underperforming. Far from it.
This would be a business decision in its purest form. The Packers have a young, talented core and a window that could stretch wide open if managed correctly.
But to keep that window open, they’ll need to be smart with their dollars - and that might mean moving on from a player like Gary while his value is high.
The upside for Gary? A trade could land him in a situation where he’s the go-to pass rusher again, with a shot at a fresh extension and a leading role in a new defense.
He’s still got plenty in the tank, and teams around the league know it. If Green Bay puts him on the market, there will be suitors - no question.
Expect the Packers to at least explore their options early in the offseason. Whether or not a deal gets done will depend on the offers, of course, but the motivation is clear: clear cap space, stay agile, and build around Parsons without overcommitting at one position group.
In the NFL, timing is everything. And for Green Bay, the 2026 offseason might be the right time to make a tough - but necessary - call.