3 Packers in contract years who are primed for big seasons in 2023

1. Rashan Gary will make up for lost time as he returns from injury

The Packers upgraded their pass rush in the draft by selecting Lukas Van Ness in the first round. Defensive linemen Colby Wooden and Karl Brooks also offer pass-rush potential.

They will also get star edge defender Rashan Gary back from injury this season, and he is entering a contract year. The Packers may offer Gary an extension over the summer. At the latest, they should aim to get a deal done by the end of the regular season.

Either way, Gary could dominate this year. He continues to take his game to a new level.

In January 2022, the Packers' season came to a heartbreaking end in playoff defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. But Gary dominated in that game, making two sacks, three quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss.

Gary took that momentum into the summer. He was a standout performer throughout training camp, then started the regular season with six sacks and 12 quarterback hits before suffering a torn ACL.

The former first-round pick will hopefully be ready to return by Week 1. He was on track for a career year in 2022. Gary is a superstar, and his return significantly upgrades the Packers' pass rush. It's only a matter of time before he lands a new deal.

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