“Sky-High Salary Demand” — Packers’ $28M Star Puts Green Bay in a Tough Spot 👇
Green Bay, Wisconsin – The Green Bay Packers are facing a growing cap dilemma, and at the center of it stands Rashan Gary. With a projected 2026 cap hit near $28 million, second on the roster only to Jordan Love, Gary’s contract is becoming impossible to ignore.
On paper, Gary remains a premium EDGE defender. In reality, the on-field production hasn’t matched the paycheck. After opening the season with 7.5 sacks, Gary disappeared down the stretch, recording zero sacks over the final 10–11 games, with his pressure rate and late-game impact falling sharply when the Packers needed him most.
That gap between cost and production is why multiple league observers — including ESPN analysts, Forbes cap breakdowns, and Packers-focused film rooms — have labeled Gary a “prime cut candidate.” A standard release would save Green Bay roughly $11 million, while a post-June 1 designation could free up as much as $19.5 million in future cap flexibility.
The tension rises with the “sky-high” salary angle. Gary signed a four-year, $96 million contract (AAV $24M), and any restructure or extension talks are expected to come with demands to keep his elite pay level intact. For a front office already managing a tight cap, that stance puts Green Bay in a brutal decision window.
Complicating matters is roster construction. The Packers don’t have deep, proven pass-rush depth behind Gary, especially after reshaping the defense around splash moves and star power. If Green Bay moves on, they risk creating a pressure vacuum at EDGE — a dangerous gamble in today’s NFC.
There’s also the locker-room and optics factor. Cutting a former defensive cornerstone only a few years into a massive deal sends a clear message: performance must match price. But keeping Gary at $28 million without elite impact could stall roster upgrades elsewhere, from secondary help to offensive weapons.
As the offseason approaches, the Packers are staring at a classic NFL crossroads — loyalty versus leverage, reputation versus results. Whether Gary restructures, gets moved, or becomes a post-June 1 cap casualty, one thing is clear: his contract has quietly become one of the most consequential decisions of Green Bay’s next chapter.
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