Rashan Gary was on fire to kick off the season, recording 7.5 sacks in his first eight games. On pace to destroy his previous record of 9.5 set in 2021, the 2024 Pro Bowler has since stalled out, failing to record a tackle behind the line of scrimmage since the Week 8 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With younger players like Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare producing solid results in the absence of Micah Parsons, Gary's lackluster performances may force the Green Bay Packers to make a tough decision in 2026.
Gary played just 45 percent of defensive snaps against Baltimore in Saturday's loss, fewer than both Enagbare (79 percent) and Van Ness (62 percent). His lack of availability in a game that would have kept Green Bay's NFC North hopes alive should be concerning, especially considering his extension has him on the Packers' payroll through the 2027 season.
Emergence of two edge defenders could force Packers into a tough Rashan Gary decision
The recent performances from Van Ness and Enagbare should inspire confidence in Packers fans as the chance of a Gary departure looms.
Van Ness was one of the lone bright spots in the Packers' most recent loss. In a game dictated by Derrick Henry's rushing ability, Van Ness led the team with five run-stops as well as three pressures, according to PFF (h/t Zach Kruse of Packers Wire). The 2023 first-round pick still has another year left on his rookie deal, but if he can find consistent play that complements what the Packers already have in Parsons and Devonte Wyatt, Van Ness could easily step into a larger role.
Having never played more than 47 percent of defensive snaps in a season, Enagbare has found more opportunities following Green Bay's poor injury luck, logging over 55 percent of snaps in four of his last five games. In that time, he has recorded 1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss.
He's a player who largely goes under the radar but always seems to make a big play when necessary. And with his rookie deal expiring in 2026, he's someone that the Packers should try their best to retain and elevate.
Could Gary be traded this offseason? If he doesn't show signs of improvement following his last two months, it seems like a move the Packers could consider. At 28 years old, and with a recent Pro Bowl appearance on his resume, the former top-12 pick would certainly draw attention on the trade market.
Not only would the move produce financial opportunities for Green Bay following a pair of hefty investments in Jordan Love and Micah Parsons, but it would also be a mark of confidence in Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare, paving the way for the young talent to reach a new level.