The No. 12 overall pick in 2019, Gary generated 46.5 sacks in Green Bay but never reached double figures. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2024, but his play began falling off. He was invisible for long stretches last season. The pass rusher netted 7.5 sacks in 2025, but all of them came prior to Week 9. The struggles led the Packers to move on.
The Cowboys add a player who new defensive coordinator Christian Parker knows, having been on the Packers staff during Gary’s first two seasons in Wisconsin. It’s also a reunion for Gary and defensive tackle Kenny Clark in Dallas.
The 28-year-old fills a much-needed role on the Cowboys defense, with Jadeveon Clowney and Dante Fowler heading to the free agent market. Gary is also a solid run defender, giving the Cowboys’ revamped defense some flexibility.
Dallas will take on salary, but given the pass-rush market, Gary’s contract isn’t exorbitant. For the price of a Day 3 draft pick a year from now, it’s a solid move to fill a glaring hole. But the Cowboys shouldn’t be done adding to a moribund defense on every level.