The Green Bay Packers, despite the weird weekend saga that was Rashan Gary‘s social media account, are not expected to bring the former Pro Bowl pass rusher back in 2026. As fans may have seen, Gary appeared to have posted a farewell message to the Packers organization and fans on his Instagram account. A few minutes later, though, the post was deleted, and “sources” claimed the account was hacked.
Regardless of whether he was hacked or not, the fact remains that the Packers are likely not going to bring Gary back in 2026. They can save $11 million by cutting or trading him, and his performance in 2025 makes it hard to justify bringing him back at all, much less on his current salary.
When/if Gary hits free agency, there is one team that an NFL insider says will almost surely be in play.
Green Bay Packers pass rusher Rashan Gary linked to the Cincinnati Bengals
Sep 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Rashan Gary (52) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN recently published an article with the latest information that he is hearing in regards to NFL free agency. In it, he suggests that the Cincinnati Bengals may be interested in Gary when/if he hits the open market:
“The team that could prove most aggressive on the defensive free agent market is Cincinnati, which is exploring just about every position group. Edge rusher Rashan Gary is a name to watch here should the Packers move on. New Bengals defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery was with Gary in Green Bay.”
The Bengals recently announced they are not going to re-sign four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is going to be the most sought-after player at his position when free agency starts.
Gary, as Fowler notes, has a history with Cincinnati defensive line coach, Jerry Montgomery, who used to coach the same position in Green Bay.
Obviously, Gary is no Hendrickson, and the Bengals will be taking a step back at the position no matter who they bring in.
Gary is coming off a year that saw him record 7.5 sacks, but zero of them coming in the final 10 games of the season.
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