Rashan Gary: Potential Release from Packers and a New Opportunity with Detroit Lions

The Green Bay Packers’ disappointing 2025 season left fans frustrated and searching for answers, particularly regarding some of the team’s high-paid stars. Despite solid individual performances, many key players failed to meet expectations, and one of the most scrutinized figures is Rashan Gary, the talented edge rusher. With the Packers falling short of a playoff win for the second straight season and Gary’s performance not matching the level of his substantial $96 million contract, the veteran pass rusher’s future in Green Bay is now in question.

Gary’s statistics in 2025 were decent, finishing with 7.5 sacks and 54 quarterback pressures across 17 starts. These are solid numbers, but for a player earning top-tier money, many believe his impact should be more profound. Despite his ability to disrupt the quarterback, Gary did not consistently show the elite-level play that the Packers had hoped for when they handed him a massive deal.

Packers’ Cap Space Concerns and the Possibility of a Cut

The Packers’ cap situation for 2026 is a significant factor in their decisions this offseason. Green Bay could free up $19.5 million in cap space by moving on from Gary, making him a potential cut candidate. Given the Packers’ inability to get over the playoff hump in recent years and the underwhelming return on their investment in Gary, parting ways with him could be a move they make to save cap room and focus on reshaping the roster.

If the Packers decide to release Gary, there could be immediate interest in him, especially from teams in the NFC North. Gary, at 28, still has a lot to offer as a pass rusher, and his familiarity with the division could make him an attractive target for a team looking to bolster its defense.

A Potential Landing Spot: Detroit Lions

One of the most intriguing potential landing spots for Gary is the Detroit Lions, a team that has steadily improved in recent seasons and is aiming to become a playoff contender. According to Mike Payton of A to Z Sports, the Detroit Lions could be in the market for an edge rusher this offseason. Payton specifically points out that Gary could form a dynamic duo with Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit’s standout pass rusher, creating a formidable edge-rushing combination.

“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,” Payton wrote. This setup would make a lot of sense for the Lions, especially as they look to strengthen their defensive line and add depth in the pass-rushing department.

Gary’s Connection to Michigan and Detroit’s Defensive Needs

Rashan Gary’s ties to Michigan also make Detroit a logical destination. The former Michigan Wolverines star would be returning to his home state, and his familiarity with the area could help him adjust quickly to a new team. Additionally, Detroit’s defensive line would benefit greatly from his experience in the NFC North, where he’s already familiar with the challenges of facing top-tier quarterbacks. This could also help the Lions’ coaching staff implement Gary’s skill set effectively in their defensive schemes.

Detroit is in a bit of a bind financially, currently projected to have negative cap space for the 2026 season. However, general manager Brad Holmes has been adept at restructuring contracts and making savvy cuts to improve the team’s financial flexibility. While Gary’s cap hit from Green Bay would likely be reduced if he is released, the Lions may still be able to make the move work by offering a contract that aligns with their cap situation, while also providing Gary the opportunity to prove himself on a playoff-contending team.

Gary’s Value on the Open Market

If the Packers decide to move on from Gary, his value on the open market could be significant but more affordable than the hefty cap hit he carries in Green Bay. Gary is still a proven pass rusher with a solid track record, including four seasons with more than 7.5 sacks. Given the scarcity of top-tier edge rushers in the NFL, teams in need of pass-rushing help would likely show interest in Gary, even if he’s not commanding the same salary as his previous contract.

While it’s uncertain how much Gary would command in free agency, his experience and ability to impact games could make him an appealing option for teams like the Lions, who are looking to build on a promising season and further improve their defense.

Why Detroit Should Pursue Gary

For Detroit, adding Gary would be a savvy move. With Hutchinson already establishing himself as a star, pairing him with a player of Gary’s caliber could make Detroit’s pass rush one of the most potent in the NFC. The Lions have shown promise on defense, but they still have areas to improve, particularly in creating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Adding a veteran like Gary could accelerate that process.

Gary’s ability to disrupt the passer could also help a Lions defense that struggled at times to get off the field last season. His experience in big games, his familiarity with the NFC North, and his potential to form a dynamic duo with Hutchinson all point to him being a great fit in Detroit.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Rashan Gary?

Rashan Gary’s future is still up in the air, but if the Packers decide to move on from him, it could open up an exciting new chapter in his career. Detroit represents a compelling landing spot, offering him the chance to play alongside a rising star in Aidan Hutchinson and contribute to a defense that is on the rise.

Gary’s value as a pass rusher is still strong, and a move to Detroit could benefit both him and the Lions, giving them a chance to further solidify their defense. For Green Bay, cutting Gary would be a financial decision, but one that could help them pivot towards younger players or other needs in the offseason.

As the offseason unfolds, the Packers’ decision on Gary will be one to watch, as it could ultimately lead to a significant shift in the NFC North and change the dynamics of Detroit’s defense.