The Green Bay Packers are heading into a pivotal offseason, and one decision looms large: what to do with edge rusher Rashan Gary. General manager Brian Gutekunst recently offered a candid assessment of Gary’s 2025 campaign - and while he acknowledged the drop-off in production late in the season, his comments suggest the team is still committed to keeping Gary in the fold.
“(Rashan) had a lot of production early. I did think toward the end he wasn't as productive as he was at the beginning,” Gutekunst said. “Certainly, that'll be something I'm sure he looks at personally, and we look at as a team how we can make sure that his production level is the same at the beginning and end of the season.”
That’s a fair and measured take from the GM, but it also signals that the Packers may be doubling down on a player who, despite flashes of dominance, disappeared down the stretch. And with a hefty cap hit on the books, that decision comes with real consequences.
Let’s break it down.
A Tale of Two Halves
Gary came out of the gates hot in 2025, showcasing the burst and power that made him a first-round pick. But over the final 10 games - all of which he started - Gary failed to register a single sack.
That’s not just a cold streak; that’s a full-on drought. For a player with a $25.7 million cap hit, that kind of silence in the box score raises some serious questions.
The total season line - 7.5 sacks - isn’t awful on its face, but when you zoom in on the timing, it’s clear the impact wasn’t sustained. And in a league where pass rushers are paid to close games and seasons, that matters.
The Cap Crunch
Here’s where things get tricky. Gary’s deal carries a rising cap hit over the next two years, and cutting him after June 1 would save the Packers $19.5 million. That’s not pocket change - that’s the kind of flexibility that could help address multiple areas of need, from the secondary to the offensive line.
Gutekunst’s comments suggest the team isn’t leaning that way, at least not yet. But if the plan is to keep Gary around, a contract restructure should be on the table. Adding a void year or spreading out the money could soften the financial blow and give the Packers more breathing room to build out the rest of the roster.
The Bigger Picture
The Packers already have a star in Micah Parsons, who commands double teams and consistently disrupts opposing offenses. What they need is a reliable second option - someone who can capitalize on the attention Parsons draws and finish plays. Right now, Gary isn’t filling that role consistently enough.
That’s not to say Gary can’t bounce back. He’s shown the ability to be a disruptive force when healthy and locked in. But with the financials being what they are, the Packers have to weigh potential against production - and whether that investment still makes sense in the context of their roster goals.
A Critical Offseason Ahead
Green Bay is at a crossroads. They’re not far off from being a real contender, but they can’t afford to miss on high-priced bets - especially on defense, where every dollar counts in the pursuit of balance and depth. If Gary is part of the plan moving forward, it has to be at a number and role that reflects his actual impact, not just his potential.
Gutekunst and the front office have some tough calls to make. Whether it’s a restructure, a release, or a recommitment, the decision on Rashan Gary will send a message - not just about the player, but about how this team plans to build around its stars and chase a return to championship relevance.