Cowboys Acquire Rashan Gary from Packers: NFL Draft Picks and Salary Cap Updated
The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move by acquiring Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers. This marks the second consecutive offseason where the two teams have engaged in a trade. As reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys sent a fourth-round draft pick from 2027 to secure the pass-rusher.
Details of the Trade
The trade comes after Gary hinted at his departure from Green Bay through a deleted farewell message. With this acquisition, the Cowboys now hold the Packers’ first-round draft pick for 2027, alongside their own. However, as part of a previous trade with the New York Jets involving Quinnen Williams, the higher first-round pick is already allocated to New York.
Draft Picks Impact
- Before the trade, Dallas had seven selections in the 2027 NFL Draft.
- The trade has reduced their total to six picks.
Salary Cap Implications
In terms of financials, Gary will carry a salary cap hit of $19.5 million in 2026. This situation further deepens the Cowboys’ current cap issues, bringing their available space down to -$20.2 million. The team is under pressure to manage these numbers effectively.
Performance Insights
Rashan Gary has consistently proven to be a valuable asset on the field. In 2023 and 2024, he recorded 7.5 sacks, contributing to his total of 46.5 sacks over seven seasons. As the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, he led the Packers in sacks recently.
Future Expectations
The Cowboys hope that Gary’s arrival will invigorate their pass-rush, particularly after the impact of 2026 trades. Last season, Dallas struggled defensively, ranking in the bottom half of the league with only 35 total sacks in 2025.
Comments from Packers Management
Brian Gutekunst, the Packers general manager, praised Gary’s contributions during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, describing him as high-impact and talented. His unexpected departure offers Gary a fresh opportunity to make a difference in Dallas, a team that has experienced playoff disappointments in recent years.
As Rashan Gary transitions to the Cowboys, all eyes will be on him to see how he adjusts and enhances their defensive lineup moving forward.
