The Green Bay Packers trade Rashan Gary, further pointing to the 2026 season being a gap year.
Only a handful of seasons ago, the Green Bay Packers were in the NFC Championship, knocking on the door of another Super Bowl. But instead of filling areas of need and trying to bring a Lombardi Trophy back to Titletown, general manager Brian Gutekunst ultimately decided the team should take a step back, stating he was making decisions with “two-to-three years” in the future in mind.
Fast forward to the present day, and the Packers not only have failed to seriously compete for a Super Bowl, but they have also lost grip of the NFC North. A trade for Micah Parsons last season created the illusion of going “all-in,” but today’s trade shows zero illusion at all — the Green Bay Packers are again taking a step backwards.
Packers Trade Rashan Gary, Rebuild is the Focus
The Green Bay Packers kicked off Monday with a not-so-surprising trade of edge rusher Rashan Gary. After leaking that his time was over in Green Bay, the Packers quickly backpedaled to try to find a trade partner. And once again, the Dallas Cowboys answered the call.
Green Bay traded Rashan Gary in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick. Essentially, Green Bay gave up Gary in order to save $11 million this season and $31 million next season, while also getting a fourth-round draft pick. This Packers trade is a win for Green Bay, considering the lack of development, leadership and effort that Rashan Gary has shown while wearing the “Green and Gold.”
Drafted 12th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, Gary was considered “a project” regardless of where he was chosen, but especially at that draft pick. Whether it be poor coaching, not being coachable, or a combination of both, Gary failed to reach expectations in Green Bay. He never achieved a double-digit sack total while also being a liability in run defense. Yet, he was paid like a top edge rusher.
Packers Now Prepare For 2027
Frankly, the Green Bay Packers are not in a good spot this upcoming season. Despite clearing cap space, the team still does not have much money to spend, the offensive line is a complete mess, there is zero depth at both defensive tackle and cornerback, and Jordan Love has failed to answer the questions about him. All of this is true, while the Chicago Bears have seemingly struck gold over the past 12 months.
It would be tough to compete for the division next season, so the Packers have made the decision to position themselves to compete in 2027. The team will have more money to spend, and due to compensatory picks the team will receive from Malik Willis and Rasheed Walker, along with the fourth-rounder picked up from Rashan Gary, the team can fill their needs and try to field a competitive team.
The question is whether or not that is worth it. Packers fans went through a mini rebuild, or retool, post-Rodgers with promises to compete. Now, the front office will attempt to convince the fanbase of this yet again. The problem is that convincing Packers Nation this time around will be much tougher without major changes. With Brian Gutekunst, Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love all serving as the team’s “leaders,” confidence, trust, excitement, and team performance have all been trending down.
Can this era of the Packers survive the gap year that 2026 is set up to be? We will see.
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