The Dallas Cowboys are looking to bolster their defense this season, and they have high expectations for new acquisition Rashan Gary. After finishing at the bottom of the league last year, the Cowboys hope Gary can play a pivotal role in their defensive turnaround.
Gary, a defensive end formerly with the Green Bay Packers, expressed his determination, stating, “I”m coming here to be me and be the impact that the Cowboys need.” Acquired for a fourth-round pick in 2027, Gary believes he can help the team reach its goals. “The main thing for me is to come in, play good ball, and play good ball to the point that we”re playing meaningful games,” he added.
During his time in Green Bay, Gary was a Pro Bowler in 2024 and had a career-high of 9.5 sacks in 2021. Last season, he started strong with 7.5 sacks in his first seven games but struggled to maintain that production, failing to record a sack in the latter half of the season. “Football is football, and at that time we were playing meaningful games, and when you play meaningful games it doesn”t come down to stats,” Gary noted about the shift in his performance.
Defensive passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley, who previously worked with Gary in Green Bay, and pass rush consultant BT Jordan, who has also collaborated closely with him, are key figures in integrating Gary into the Cowboys” system. His ability to play both defensive end and outside linebacker makes him a valuable asset for the team”s defensive strategy.
Gary is set to join the outside linebacker group, which includes players like Donovan Ezeiruaku and Sam Williams. However, he is aware that he may not replicate the same impact as Maxx Crosby in Las Vegas or Micah Parsons in Dallas. Nevertheless, he remains confident in his skills, particularly in improving the Cowboys” run defense, which allowed 4.7 yards per carry last season, ranking them 26th in the league.
“Turn it around, man,” Gary remarked about his potential contributions. “I”m one of the best in the league. I feel like anything that I need to do in terms of setting the edge, knocking things back, trying to keep things under control, being able to two-gap in situations that I need, and just being able to just to be the anchor that I am.”
With the Cowboys aiming to strengthen their defense, Gary”s performance will be closely monitored as the season progresses. His past playoff experiences with the Packers could provide the necessary motivation to lead the Cowboys to success.
