The NFL offseason delivered another surprising move as the Rashan Gary was traded from the Green Bay Packers to the Dallas Cowboys. The deal, completed ahead of the 2026 league year, gives Dallas a proven pass rusher while Green Bay gains draft capital and salary-cap flexibility.
Below is a complete breakdown of the Rashan Gary trade, Cowboys contract details, and the compensation involved.
Rashan Gary Traded to the Cowboys
The Cowboys acquired Rashan Gary in a trade with the Packers as part of their effort to strengthen the defensive front for the 2026 NFL season. Dallas had previously pursued star pass rusher Maxx Crosby but shifted its focus to Gary after those negotiations fell through.
Gary, a former first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, spent seven seasons with Green Bay and became one of the team’s most recognizable defensive players. Over his Packers career, he recorded 46.5 sacks, 46 tackles for loss, and more than 100 quarterback hits, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2024.
The trade reunites Gary with former Packers teammate Kenny Clark in Dallas, giving the Cowboys a more experienced defensive line heading into the new season.
Cowboys Contract Details
Gary remains under the four-year contract extension he signed in 2023, meaning the Cowboys inherit the remaining two years of that deal.
Key contract details:
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Contract length: Through the 2027 season
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2026 base salary: about $18 million
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2027 base salary: about $21 million
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Original extension value: approximately $96 million over four years
Unless Dallas restructures the deal, Gary will play under those existing salary figures for the next two seasons.
Trade Compensation
The Cowboys did not give up a premium pick to land the veteran edge rusher.
Trade package:
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Cowboys receive: Rashan Gary
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Packers receive: 2027 fourth-round draft pick
The Packers had reportedly considered releasing Gary due to salary-cap concerns, which lowered his trade value and allowed Dallas to acquire him for a mid-round selection.
The move clears roughly $11 million in cap space for Green Bay while creating about $17 million in dead money on their books.
Why the Packers Made the Trade
Several factors influenced Green Bay’s decision:
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Salary-cap flexibility – Moving Gary freed significant cap space for the 2026 offseason.
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Roster changes – The Packers have reshaped their defense following the blockbuster trade that sent Micah Parsons to Green Bay in 2025.
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Declining production concerns – Gary’s performance dipped after injuries earlier in his career.
For Green Bay, the deal provides financial relief and a draft asset while allowing the franchise to retool its defensive roster.
What the Trade Means for the Cowboys
The Cowboys add a proven edge defender who can immediately contribute to their pass rush. Gary’s experience and previous Pro Bowl performance could help Dallas rebuild a defensive front that has undergone significant changes in recent seasons.
If he returns to peak form, Gary could become one of the most impactful additions to Dallas’ defense heading into the 2026 NFL campaign.
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