Rashan Gary: The Packers’ Pass Rush Savior or Trade Chip Ahead of 2025?

As the Green Bay Packers continue to search for defensive dominance, one name repeatedly surfaces in conversations about their future pass rush — Rashan Gary. Since entering the league, Gary has shown flashes of the athleticism and power that make him a tantalizing prospect to lead Green Bay’s defensive front. But with the 2025 season looming, the question remains: will Gary be the cornerstone of the Packers’ pass rush revival, or will he emerge as a valuable trade asset as the team reshapes its roster?

Drafted by the Packers in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Rashan Gary arrived in Green Bay with sky-high expectations. Coming out of Michigan, he was widely regarded as one of the most physically gifted defensive players available — a rare blend of size, speed, and agility that scouts drooled over. His potential to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks was seen as a major step toward revitalizing a Packers defense that had struggled to generate consistent pressure.

In his early seasons, Gary displayed moments of brilliance. Whether it was blowing past offensive tackles or making impactful tackles in the backfield, his talent was undeniable. Yet, consistency remained elusive, as injuries and some technical flaws slowed his development. Still, with each passing season, Gary’s role expanded, and by 2023, he was regularly called upon to be the Packers’ primary pass-rushing threat.

If Rashan Gary can stay healthy and refine his pass rush techniques, he has the physical tools to be a transformational player on defense. The Packers have long needed a disruptive edge presence, and Gary’s ability to collapse the pocket could be the missing piece. His versatility also allows him to line up in multiple spots on the defensive line, creating matchup problems for offenses.

Green Bay’s defensive coordinator has frequently praised Gary’s work ethic and commitment to improving his game, which is a promising sign heading into the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The team’s defensive front, historically reliant on scheme and teamwork rather than sheer individual dominance, might finally be ready to leverage Gary’s rare combination of athleticism and power to generate more sacks and pressures.

Despite his promise, the Packers face a critical decision regarding Gary’s future. With the 2025 offseason approaching, rumors have begun swirling about the team’s plans for reshaping the roster and managing salary cap space. Gary’s contract and his emerging value mean he could become a prime candidate for a trade, especially if the Packers believe they can capitalize on his talent to secure valuable draft picks or fill other roster needs.

Trading Gary wouldn’t come without controversy. Many fans see him as the anchor of a defense that has struggled for years, and moving on from him could be perceived as giving up on the pass rush rebuild. However, from a management perspective, the Packers might see an opportunity to address multiple team weaknesses by leveraging Gary’s market value, particularly if the defensive front isn’t meeting expectations or if other defensive players start to step up.

For the Packers, the choice isn’t simple. Keeping Gary means banking on his continued growth and health to lead a defensive resurgence. If successful, the team’s pass rush could become one of the NFL’s most feared units, complementing an offense that has shown flashes but often struggles without defensive support.

On the other hand, trading Gary could accelerate a broader rebuilding process, allowing Green Bay to stockpile draft capital and address holes in both offense and defense. Yet, this comes with the risk that the team loses a rare talent and fails to find an adequate replacement, potentially prolonging defensive struggles.

Packers fans are divided. Some see Gary as the key to ending years of defensive mediocrity and are willing to be patient as he continues to develop. Others argue that with the team needing to make tough roster choices, a trade for the right package could jumpstart a more balanced rebuild.

Analysts tend to agree that Gary’s athleticism and upside are undeniable. Many project him as a future Pro Bowler if he can iron out technical details and stay injury-free. However, the Packers’ organizational direction and cap strategy will heavily influence his status in 2025.