The Dallas Cowboys signed veteran pass rusher Rashan Gary to bolster their pass rush depth after trading linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Before Gary entered his first offseason with the Cowboys, Parsons sent a reassuring message about playing for the team.

Though the move marked a significant change for Gary, who has played only with the Packers in his seven-year NFL career, Parsons encouraged Gary by telling him that he would enjoy playing with the Cowboys.

“So far, his words have been right,” Gary said, per an X post of Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News.

According to the X post of Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News, Parsons reached out to Gary after his trade to the Cowboys, where the team acquired the Pro Bowler in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round draft pick.

Gary, who is now under a two-year, $32M contract with the Cowboys ($16M annually), played one season alongside Parsons in 2025, after the star linebacker was traded by the Cowboys to the Packers.

Gary has posted 46.5 sacks, 271 tackles (154 solo), 46 tackles for loss, 111 QB hits and six passes defended across 106 games played over seven seasons with the Packers. 

During the training camp presser, the Pro Bowler expressed confidence in playing his first season with the Cowboys under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, while praising him for his leadership and emphasis on communication.

"Man, the film speaks for itself," Gary said, according to a DallasCowboys.com article on August 1. "But everybody [should] pay attention this year. It's gonna be a great year. ... I can't wait.  ... Christian Parker's defense, the swagger he brings, it trickles down to the players. The guys I'm around, it's easy to go to work, man. ... It's been great."

With Parsons' endorsement, Gary now has the opportunity to play a key role in the Cowboys' revamped pass rush as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season (7-9-1 record).

Brian Schottenheimer elevates Rashan Gary to Cowboys leadership council

The Cowboys head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, announced an 11-player leadership council for the 2026 season, which will serve as a liaison between players and coaches, and Gary was named the leader of the pass rush unit.

“It’s an honor and privilege, man," Gary said during the training camp presser, according to the Dallas Cowboys YouTube Channel (@dallascowboys) on August 1. "First to wear the star. And it’s an honor and privilege to come into an organization that allowed me to come in and be myself and lead...And that’s by my actions."

Gary has already set the tone for his role, as he was seen working out with rookie pass rusher Malachi Lawrence before training camp, serving as a mentor to the first-rounder.

With a leadership role already in place and a young pass-rushing group to guide, Gary will be expected to set the tone as the Cowboys look to improve defensively in the 2026 season.

Do you think Rashan Gary can help fill the void left by Micah Parsons? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote