Despite Micah Parsons suffering a season-ending injury, Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Rashan Gary is a possible cut candidate. According to a report, a source believes that the Packers may release Gary as he’s still under contract through 2027. After signing a four-year, $96 million extension in 2023, the former first-round pick has been slowing down. Even though he could see an uptick in usage the rest of the season, it doesn’t guarantee him a starting spot for next year.
This means that Green Bay might not see a future in him, given that Parsons was traded to the Packers as their long-term pass-rusher. However, it’s dependent on what the Packers will value the most this upcoming offseason. Lukas Van Ness is recovering from a foot injury, but it doesn’t mean the Packers will give up on him.
Former Packers First-Rounder Rashan Gary Shockingly Named Cut Candidate
It will be a long-term gameplan for the Packers as the team will evaluate who could provide them the best outcome. Even though releasing Gary would come with some dead cap, the Packers could cut him on June 1st to avoid that. Either way, if the Packers decide to release Gary, he would become a high-stakes free agent who could join elsewhere on a long-term contract. Last season, Gary hauled in a Pro Bowl, recording 7.5 sacks in the first stretch of the 2024 campaign.
What it comes down to is consistency. Gary is still a reliable defensive player, but he has been slowing down. However, it shouldn’t stop future teams from pursuing him, especially since he has experience. It’ll be interesting to see what happens here, but a trade might work in the Packers’ favor, although nobody should be surprised if he’s released.
Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers will duke it out with Tampa Bay for the division, but the future looks bright defensively. After spending the majority of last offseason on defense, the team has been heading in the right direction of turning the ball over. Even though they’re not like the Seahawks or Texans defense, they are at least two key players away from having a monstrous improvement.
Derrick Brown, Tershawn Wharton, Jaycee Horn and Tre’Von Moehrig are the leaders of the pack, and Gary could become the latest member. If they view quarterback Bryce Young as their future, it’s better to give him a ferocious defense to give the offense plenty of opportunities to stay on the field.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints’ postseason chances are long gone, but they may have found their long-term leader. Quarterback Tyler Shough is thriving with an offense that traded for DeVaughn Vele and claimed Trey Palmer off waivers. Despite trading away Rashid Shaheed, the offensive pass-attack finally looks promising as long as Shough can stay consistent. However, they need a defense to freshen up this veteran presence.
With DeMario Davis and Cameron Jordan getting older, nobody should be surprised if the Saints find their replacements this upcoming offseason. Gary could be one of them since he’s still young and has a lot of experience to translate his skills to the field in New Orleans.
Dallas Cowboys
After trading away Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys have spent most of their offseason and trade deadline moves improving the defensive interior. Kenny Clark, Osa Odighizuwa and Quinnen Williams all in one line is like meat and potatoes, which is scary for opposing offenses. However, their impact won’t happen without a better edge rush. Veteran Jadeveon Clowney is their best edge along with Dante Fowler Jr., but they’re under one-year deals, and Gary would be more of a long-term benefit for this defensive group.
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