The Green Bay Packers had a disappointing 2025 season, as the team failed to win 10 games during the regular season, and were first-round exits for the second straight season after blowing an 18-point lead in the second half to the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round.
Many of the Packers' key starters didn't live up to expectations this year, especially edge rusher Rashan Gary.
Gary tallied solid numbers in 2025 with 7.5 sacks and 54 quarterback pressures in 17 starts. However, the 28-year-old is on a $96 million contract and isn't delivering elite-level play to justify the deal.
As a result, Gary has been discussed as a potential cut candidate for Green Bay this offseason. The Packers could save up to $19.5 million in cap space by moving on from Gary.
If Green Bay cuts Gary in the coming months, A to Z Sports' Mike Payton believes the veteran edge rusher could stay in the NFC North and sign with the Detroit Lions.
"A guy gets released by one team and heads to another. Gary and Aidan Hutchinson could be a formidable duo, and the Lions don’t have to pay anywhere near that $28 million cap hit to make it happen. It also probably helps that Gary played for Michigan," Payton wrote.
Gary is still a solid pass rusher, and Detroit could be in the market for help at edge rusher this offseason, especially if the team loses Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency.
In his seven-year career so far, Gary has four seasons with over 7.5 sacks and has proven to be a valuable piece on the Packers' defense. Adding the Michigan product to the Lions' defensive line would be a savvy move from general manager Brad Holmes.
Gary would form a nice duo with Aidan Hutchinson, and his experience in the division and with Green Bay will be a major plus. Additionally, Gary shouldn't command too much money on the open market if he gets cut. Detroit is currently projected to have negative cap space this offseason, but they can save some money by restructuring contracts and making cuts of their own.
More NFL News
- Browns predicted to hire head coach with.515 win rate who would be great for Shedeur Sanders
- Pats, Bills could battle over offseason trade for $96 million wide receiver
- Giants predicted to hire head coach not named Stefanski or Harbaugh
- Aaron Rodgers rumor reveals how Tomlin's departure impacts QB's future
- NFL insider predicts Steelers will hire play-caller with top-10 defense as head coach