Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary started the 2025 NFL season playing very well. The University of Michigan alum recorded 4.5 sacks in the first three games this season and had 7.5 after seven contests. But after recording two sacks in the Packers win over the Steelers back on October 26, Gary has been completely shut out in the sack department. Now, Rashan Gary is facing major questions after his second half disappearing act.

Packers DE Rashan Gary Facing Major Questions: The Fast Start

Gary led the Packers in sacks in both 2023 and 2024. He was expected to be the team’s leading pass rusher again as the team started training camp this season.

But the Packers traded for Micah Parsons just before the start of the regular season and that was considered a game changer. Initially, Gary was expected to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the addition of Parsons. The logic went that teams would double team Parsons and try to have their best blockers oppose him. That would give more opportunities for Gary and the other defensive linemen to face single coverage and make more plays.

Early in the season, it worked out exactly that way. Gary recorded 4.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits in the first three games of the season. He was a regular visitor in the opponent’s backfield, recording four tackles for loss in those three games. After seven games, Gary had 7.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits and seven tackles for loss. He seemed a lock to top his career high of 9.5 sacks in 2021.

A Second Half Slump

But since the midway point of the season, however, that productivity has all but disappeared. In his final nine games of the season, Gary did not record a sack or a tackle for loss. He did manage seven quarterback hits, but the pressure numbers were down and the sacks were non-existent.

Keep in mind, the slump took started well before the season-ending injury to Parsons. In fact, the former Cowboys star was in the lineup for the first seven games of Gary’s drought.

Then, when Parsons was lost for the season with a torn ACL, Gary said, “This what I say. For the rest of the season, what we got? Three more opportunities? Watch how the front play.”

Unfortunately, neither Gary nor the rest of the front got much pressure on opposing quarterbacks without Parsons in the lineup. In fact, the best performance by the defensive line came last week in Minnesota. Gary sat out that game and the team played mostly young, inexperienced linemen and players who were trying to prove they deserved more playing time.

Gary did play the run well, something he has improved upon in recent seasons. Overall, Pro Football Focus graded him in the middle of the qualified edge rushers in the NFL. That means he’s a solid starter, but it hardly lives up to his status as a former first-round pick.

Packers DE Rashan Gary Facing Major Questions: Looking Ahead

Gary now faces major questions about his future in Green Bay. His cap hit in 2026 is currently scheduled to be a little more than $28 million. The Packers have cap issues after the addition of Parsons and may look to move on from Gary.

Against the Vikings, younger defensive ends like Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, and Brenton Cox all showed promise. They would all be less expensive alternatives to Gary. If GM Brian Gutekunst feels like these younger players could provide similar production for less money, a move becomes more likely.

Gary’s last chance to show he deserves to stay in Green Bay next season comes in the playoffs. He has a good playoff track record over the course of his career. He’s played eight career games in the postseason and has recorded 4.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits in those contests.

Against the Bears this Saturday, the Packers may seek to keep Caleb Williams in the pocket and prevent him from running with the ball, rather than actually trying to sack him. But whatever the assignment, Gary will need a strong performance on Saturday. The Packers season and his future with the team depends on it.

 

 

 

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