The Cowboys kicked off NFL free agency by finalizing a trade with the Green Bay Packers for outside linebacker Rashan Gary, who has 46.5 career sacks in 7 NFL seasons. In exchange, the Cowboys are sending a 2027 4th round pick to Green Bay.
Gary became a salary cap casualty in Green Bay just 7 months after the Packers acquired Micah Parsons from the Cowboys and signed him to a $186 million contract extension.
A 2019 1st round pick (#12 overall), Gary has two years ($42 million) left on his contract. The Cowboys are expected to negotiate a contract extension with the 28-year old Gary, who made the Pro Bowl in 2024.
The Cowboys have a glaring need for not only pass rush help but also defenders who can stop the run. Gary fills a void on the edge of the Dallas defense which was never filled last season after DeMarcus Lawrence signed with eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle in free agency.
To help accommodate Gary’s salary, the Cowboys freed up around $13 million in salary cap space when offensive tackle Terence Steele agreed to a restructured contract that reduces the remaining 3 years on his contract from $48 million to $33 million. By agreeing to the new deal, Steele gets $22 million in guaranteed money.