Green Bay Packers fans were quick to chalk up the trade that sent veteran pass rusher Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys as a win. Recent intel suggests it may be premature to take a victory lap, though.
Given the circumstances, the Packers did quite well to come away with a fourth-round pick in exchange for Gary. However, early signs from Dallas' organized team activities (OTAs) have been encouraging — but not for the reason you think.
Gary has reportedly made a strong first impression on the Cowboys. Interestingly, the buzz is less about his on-field efforts in voluntary practices without pads and more centered on what seems like a growing leadership role.
Packers fans may have taken a victory lap on Rashan Gary trade too soon
There are other ways to be impactful, as Gary appears to be embracing. He's immediately taken it upon himself to mentor his new teammates. More specifically, the ex-Packer has been working closely with Cowboys third-year pro Marist Liufau, who's transitioning to outside linebacker in 2026.
Liufau has been juggling switching positions with welcoming a third defensive coordinator in as many seasons. That's no easy task, and the value of having an experienced player of Gary's pedigree to set the standard can't be discounted.
Showing Dallas' youngsters the NFL ropes could be Gary's calling card; he can make life easier in more ways than one. His ability to get to the quarterback will naturally create opportunities for Liufau and Co., or at least that's the expectation. Yet, being a glue guy has staying power that can counteract any physical decline.
The Packers moved on from Gary this offseason due to statistical regression. His production wasn't meeting the standards that came with the hefty four-year, $96 million contract extension the club signed him to in October 2023. Nevertheless, the Cowboys ostensibly acquired the 2019 first-round pick in part because he's a respected presence in the locker room.
For what it's worth, Gary was a captain for Green Bay last season, so this isn't necessarily uncharted territory for him. So, his absence is probably being felt in Titletown, especially while star edge defender Micah Parsons continues to recover from a torn ACL.
Without Gary or Parsons, the Packers lack proven, experienced voices in the pass-rushing room. Someone will have to step up with the former out of the picture and the latter currently sidelined.
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