O Dallas Cowboys fechou a aquisição do pass rusher Rashan Gary, vindo do Green Bay Packers, em troca de uma escolha de quarta rodada do draft de 2027. A negociação foi finalizada nesta segunda-feira (9 de março de 2026), no início da janela de movimentações da offseason da NFL. The operation took place in Frisco, Texas, and represents an effort by the Texan franchise to increase pressure on the opposing quarterback after the unsuccessful search for Maxx Crosby, of the
Gary, drafted in the first round (12th overall pick) in 2019 by Packers, has 46.5 sacks in his career so far. Ele signed a four-year, US$96 million extension in 2023, with a guaranteed salary of US$18 million for the current season, subject to possible renegotiation with the new club. The transfer generates relief of approximately US$11 million on the Packers salary cap in 2026.
Speculation about Gary’s future gained momentum last Friday when a farewell post appeared and was quickly removed from his Instagram account. The publication was attributed to alleged unauthorized access, but conversations between the teams evolved and culminated in the announced agreement.
Context of the search for reinforcements in the pass rush
The Cowboys tried intensely to trade for Maxx Crosby, but the edge rusher ended up going to the Baltimore Ravens in a deal that involved two first-round picks. The proposal sent to the Raiders included the 12th overall pick in the 2026 draft, a second-round selection in 2027 and a veteran on the roster.
Gary arrives as the second player on the Packers defensive line received by Dallas in recent trades. Last season, the Texan franchise acquired Kenny Clark and two first-round picks in exchange for Micah Parsons, carried out shortly before the start of the competition.
The addition of Gary does not end the search for pass rushers. The team continues to monitor the free agency market and the draft, especially with uncertainty surrounding Jadeveon Clowney, who led the team with 8.5 sacks the previous year and could become a free agent.
Main figures of Rashan Gary’s career
- 46.5 sacks accumulated since entering the NFL in 2019
- 7.5 sacks recorded in the first seven games of last season
- More than 60 pressures generated in the same initial period
- Participation in 58.3% of defensive plays in the most recent season
- Similar percentages in previous years: 52.8% in 2023 and 58.6% in 2024
Analysis of recent performance and statements
The start of last season was highlighted by general manager Brian Gutekunst, who praised Gary’s initial production with a significant volume of pressures and sacks. The decline in the second half of the year drew attention, with zero additional sacks despite being present in almost every game.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur noted that Gary has historically never been a high-snap volume player. Essa characteristic allowed wear and tear management throughout the career, but also raised questions about consistency in decisive phases.
The departure occurs at a delicate moment for the defense of the Packers. With Micah Parsons expected to be out for around a month due to recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, the squad loses important depth in the position.
Immediate challenges in the Packers defensive line
Without Gary and with Parsons possibly absent at the beginning of the season, the Packers face the need for adjustments. Kingsley Enagbare, another relevant edge rusher, is in a free agent position and could leave the franchise.
New defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon will have two new starters on the defensive line to begin training camp. The exchange reflects a decision to reallocate assets and seek financial and competitive balance.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, last year’s second-round pick, is expected to miss much of the preseason due to hip surgery. Esse scenario reinforces the importance of signings or selections in the draft to fill the gaps.
Gary can benefit from the Dallas scheme, gaining more opportunities in one-on-one situations against the quarterback. Sua experience adds experience and proven production to the Texan group.