The Cowboys pivot after losing the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes, trading for Packers pass rusher Rashan Gary to boost their defensive front for 2026.
The Dallas Cowboys didn’t land Maxx Crosby, but they still made a significant move to upgrade their pass rush.
After falling short in their pursuit of the Las Vegas Raiders star edge rusher, the Cowboys turned to another proven defensive weapon, acquiring Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick.
The move gives Dallas a veteran pass rusher with proven production as the team reshapes its defensive identity heading into the 2026 season.
Dallas had aggressively pursued Crosby, reportedly offering a package that included the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft along with additional assets. Instead, Crosby ended up with the Baltimore Ravens, forcing the Cowboys’ front office to pivot quickly.
Enter Gary.
The former first-round pick has been a steady presence in Green Bay’s pass rush for several seasons. Gary has totaled 46.5 career sacks, placing him among the most productive defenders in Packers history since sacks became an official statistic in 1982.
His ability to generate pressure consistently made him an attractive target for a Cowboys defense looking for reinforcements on the edge.
Gary signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension with Green Bay in 2023 and is scheduled to earn $18 million this season.
Unless Dallas restructures that deal, the Cowboys will absorb the current cap hit while adding a player capable of disrupting opposing quarterbacks.
Last season, Gary started fast, collecting 7.5 sacks in his first seven games while consistently creating pressure off the edge.
Though the sack numbers cooled later in the year, he still finished the season with more than 60 quarterback pressures, a number that highlights his ability to impact games beyond the box score.
The Cowboys’ defense is also entering a new era under coordinator Christian Parker, whose scheme is expected to emphasize aggressive pass-rush packages and versatile defensive fronts.
Adding Gary gives Dallas another experienced edge defender capable of collapsing the pocket and freeing up opportunities for other playmakers along the defensive line.
And if the Cowboys remain active in free agency or the draft, Gary could be just the first piece in a larger effort to rebuild one of the NFL’s most feared pass-rushing units.