Dallas Cowboys Trade for Packers Pass Rusher Gary as NFL Free Agency Begins

The Dallas Cowboys have acquired pass rusher Rashan Gary from Green Bay in exchange for a 2027 late-round draft pick as NFL free agency officially opens. This marks the second consecutive year Dallas and Green Bay have exchanged edge rushers, following last year's trade of Micah Parsons to the Packers.

The Dallas Cowboys have obtained pass rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers through a trade that coincided with the opening of NFL free agency, according to a source familiar with the transaction who spoke to The Associated Press on Monday.

In return for Gary, Dallas will provide Green Bay with a late-round draft selection in 2027, the source revealed.

The individual requested anonymity as the transaction was still undergoing final approval procedures.

The agreement between Dallas and Green Bay was completed precisely as unrestricted free agents gained permission to negotiate with teams and establish contract terms that cannot be officially executed until Wednesday when the new league year commences.

Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins have announced the release of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, contributing another prominent signal-caller to the free agent pool that will also feature Kyler Murray, whom Arizona is releasing.

This represents the second consecutive season that Dallas and Green Bay have exchanged pass rushers. Just one week prior to last season’s opener, the Cowboys dealt young standout Micah Parsons, who promptly secured a four-year, $188 million extension with $136 million in guarantees. The contract established a new record as the most lucrative deal for a non-quarterback in NFL history.

Gary entered the league as the 12th overall selection in 2019, two years ahead of Parsons being chosen by Dallas at the identical draft position. The 28-year-old defender has recorded 7.5 sacks in each of the last two campaigns and has reached that threshold in five of his six professional seasons.

The New York Giants have retained veteran tight end Chris Manhertz, maintaining both him and running back Devin Singletary as offensive carryovers under new head coach John Harbaugh.

New York also secured receiver and return specialist Gunner Olszewski last week, while 25-year-old Wan’Dale Robinson could potentially leave via free agency after becoming only the third player standing 5-foot-8 or under to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.

Minnesota prevented one of their unrestricted free agents from reaching the open market by finalizing terms with 10th-year linebacker Eric Wilson on a three-year agreement worth $22.5 million, including $12.5 million in full guarantees, per NFL Network reports.

Wilson, who rejoined his original franchise last season, established personal bests in tackles for loss (17), sacks (6.5), quarterback hits (10), and forced fumbles (four). NFL NextGen Stats indicates Wilson stands as the only linebacker to register 40-plus quarterback pressures and 20-plus run stuffs in any single season from 2020 through 2025.