DAL Rashan Gary
NFL defensive end. Position: Edge Rusher (EDGE). Team: Dallas Cowboys (acquired via trade from Green Bay Packers).
Quick Facts
- Position: Edge Rusher (EDGE)
- Team: Dallas Cowboys (traded from Green Bay Packers in 2026)
- Career: Seven seasons with limited double-digit sack seasons (9.5 in 2021), but consistent 6+ sack output
2026 Outlook
Rashan Gary joins the Cowboys as their most accomplished edge rusher on the active roster after being acquired in a trade from Green Bay. Last season he posted 7.5 sacks for the Packers but managed none in his final nine games, raising some durability or motivation concerns. Cowboys' coaching staff calls him a "grown-ass man" who brings consistent effort and pressure. Gary himself emphasizes his work ethic: "I'm a dog, man. I play with a lot of effort, cause a lot of pressure." He anchors the Cowboys' depth-focused pass rush approach rather than being the star pass rusher. (per Lacking a star, Cowboys lean on depth for their pass rush)
From Green Bay's perspective, Gary's exit wasn't viewed as a major loss. Beat reporting suggests Gary's willingness to play defense waned by the end of the 2025 season, and the Packers found his fit problematic even before the trade. This context helps explain the relative calm around his departure, despite his sack production in previous years. (per Tuesday Cheese Curds: Packers named one of NFL's biggest offseason losers)
Heading into training camp 2026, Gary is positioned as the "seasoned veteran" anchor of Dallas' outside linebacker rotation in Christian Parker's 3-4 scheme. His floor remains high—the article emphasizes his durability and value on all downs—though his ceiling is noted as lower compared to other young talents. Gary is expected to get the bulk of snaps at one of the two primary OLB spots. (per Cowboys Depth Chart: Primary pass rush roles up for grabs at outside linebacker)
July 26-27 training camp focus: As the Cowboys open camp, Gary's importance to the defensive transformation is being questioned by beat writers. Questions about whether he is the most important player on the defense "this side of Prescott" underscore the Cowboys' reliance on both defensive and offensive anchors to drive 2026 contention. (per Cowboys Headlines: McClay talks Pickens future, who is next after Dak? - Cowboys Wire)
Role / Depth Chart
Edge rusher for Dallas Cowboys defense; anchor of depth-based pass rush group alongside second-year player Donovan Ezeiruaku and first-round pick Malachi Lawrence.
Injury Status
Healthy.
Recent News
- 2026-06-22 — 2026 NFL training camp report dates, joint practices, top storyline for all 32 teams (2026 NFL training camp report dates, joint practices, top storyline for all 32 teams)
- 2026-06-22 — Ranking the NFL's biggest offseason losers: Patriots, Packers facing questions (Ranking the NFL's biggest offseason losers: Patriots, Packers facing questions)
- 2026-05-05 — 2026 NFL Draft: Ten rookies in position to succeed in Year 1 and beyond (2026 NFL Draft: Ten rookies in position to succeed in Year 1 and beyond)
- 2026-04-27 — Dallas Cowboys 2026 post-draft depth chart projection (Dallas Cowboys 2026 post-draft depth chart projection)
- 2026-06-21 — Eagles News: “Expect instant excellence” from Makai Lemon? (Eagles News: “Expect instant excellence” from Makai Lemon?)
- 2026-04-16 — 2026 NFL draft: How all 32 teams can ace their picks, needs (2026 NFL draft: How all 32 teams can ace their picks, needs)
- 2026-06-16 — Breaking down every NFL team's offseason spending and most expensive free agent (Breaking down every NFL team's offseason spending and most expensive free agent)
- 2026-05-25 — 2026 NFL Trade Block (2026 NFL Trade Block)
- 2026-05-26 — Cowboys addressed their defensive issues, but solving them requires more (Cowboys addressed their defensive issues, but solving them requires more)
- 2026-05-03 — Dallas Cowboys 2026 defensive projection: Why new analysis puts veterans aside for Week 1 (Dallas Cowboys 2026 defensive projection: Why new analysis puts veterans aside for Week 1)