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Not everyone is a fan of the Dallas Cowboys’ latest trade.
The Dallas Cowboys did not wait until NFL free agency officially kicked off at 12 p.m. Eastern on Monday, March 9, to make a big splash. Instead, the Cowboys struck a blockbuster trade to bolster the team’s pass rushing attack hours before the NFL free agency period officially began.
Yet, not everyone is a fan of the Cowboys’ first major move of the NFL offseason. Despite initial reports of a higher cost, the Cowboys traded the team’s 2027 fourth-round pick to the Green Bay Packers for former Pro Bowler Rashan Gary. Locked on Cowboys’ Marcus Mosher is among those who have been critical of the move.
“That is WAY too much for Rashaan Gary,” Mosher initially posted on X as rumors circulated that the Cowboys traded a third-round pick for Gary.
Mosher stood by his initial stance even after it became clear that the Cowboys would be sending a fourth-round selection to the Packers in a future draft. Others have criticized the deal as Gary was rumored to be a potential cap casualty prior to the trade. It is hard to be that frustrated given the Cowboys are parting ways with a future day-three selection.
“I think Gary is a fine player!” Mosher added in a March 9, message. “But paying a 4th + that salary is a bit high for me! But like I said… let’s see if they rework that deal.”
Here’s what you need to know about the Cowboys-Packers trade.
New Cowboys Defender Rashan Gary Is on a 4-Year, $96 Million Contract
Gary is on a four-year, $96 million contract that is slated to run through the 2027 season. NFL Network’s James Palmer attempted to provide an inside look at why Dallas was comfortable making the move, even with Gary’s high salary.
“A few notes on the Rashan Gary trade: The Cowboys opted for financial control with an edge rusher instead of bidding with others as FA (free agent) prices go up,” Palmer explained in a March 9, post on X. “This fits what they want to do schematically very well. Dallas is leaning into Christian Parker as an evaluator as Parker and Gary were together in Green Bay.
“The plan is to quickly fix the defense enough to allow a top tier offense to go to work. They’re not done making moves.”
The Cowboys Pivoted to Trading for Rashan Gary After Balking at Raiders’ Asking Price for Maxx Crosby
It will be interesting to see if this move negates the Cowboys potentially making a big signing like Trey Hendrickson in NFL free agency. The Cowboys appear to still be exploring additional moves.
Dallas was previously linked to a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby before balking about potentially giving up two first-round picks for the star defender. Gary is coming off back-to-back seasons posting 7.5 sacks and has 24 sacks over the last three years. The newest Cowboys defender is in good company when it comes to his production.
“Since he entered the league in 2019, Rashan Gary is one of six players with 45+ sacks, 300+ pressures, and a pressure rate above 15%, along with: Myles Garrett, Trey Hendrickson, Micah Parsons, Nick Bosa and Josh Hines-Allen,” The 33rd Team detailed in a March 9, message on X. “Gary has produced at least 5.0 sacks every season since 2020.”
Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports contributor covering the NFL, NBA and golf for Heavy.com. His work has been prominently featured on NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated. More about Jonathan Adams
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