Rashan Gary defensive end Green Bay Packers
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 10: Rashan Gary #52 of the Green Bay Packers in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field on November 10, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Seeing as how the Green Bay Packers are set to have more than 15 players hit free agency, the roster could look quite different in 2026. That’s why the team has already made some notable noise before the market officially opens.
Green Bay struck a trade with the Indianapolis Colts that shuffled its defense. Heading to Indianapolis will be defensive tackle Colby Wooden in exchange for linebacker Zaire Franklin.
The move for Franklin appears to signal a replacement plan for linebacker Quay Walker, who is set to become a free agent. But he won’t be the only notable defensive player potentially leaving Green Bay. Defensive end Rashan Gary is also being projected as a possible cap casualty for the Packers.
If that happens, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says there is one clear team to watch as a potential landing spot.
Packers Potential Rashan Gary Release Could Lead Him To AFC
Fowler noted that Gary could wind up in the AFC North, pointing to the Cincinnati Bengals as a team expected to be aggressive in pursuing defensive help during free agency.
“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,” Fowler wrote.
Cincinnati certainly has reason to look for help.
The Bengals struggled defensively last season, ranking 31st in total defense. They also finished 26th against the pass, 32nd against the run and 30th in scoring defense.
Their pass rush wasn’t much better. Cincinnati recorded just 35 sacks, placing them in the bottom 10 in the league, while also leading the NFL with 170 missed tackles.
Gary, who worked with Montgomery for five seasons in Green Bay, could help address at least part of that problem.
Before Micah Parsons joined the defense last season, the former Pro Bowler had been one of the Packers’ most consistent pass rushers. Across seven seasons in the NFL, Gary has recorded 46.5 career sacks.
Bengals Facing Turnover Along Defensive Front
Cincinnati could also be facing significant turnover along its defensive front once free agency begins.
Two of the team’s top four pass rushers from last season are expected to hit the open market.
One is Trey Hendrickson, who recorded just four sacks last season while appearing in seven games due to injuries. Despite the limited production in 2025, Hendrickson is still expected to command a sizable contract after the Bengals chose not to use the franchise tag on him. He has totaled 81 career sacks.
Another is Joseph Ossai, who finished second on the team with five sacks behind leader Myles Murphy’s 5.5. Ossai is projected to command around $9.2 million annually on a four-year deal worth roughly $36.7 million.
If the Packers were to move on from Gary, they could save approximately $19.5 million in cap space. Gary likely wouldn’t come cheaply himself, though he may still cost slightly less than Hendrickson, who is projected to earn around $25.4 million annually.
Gary’s projected market value currently sits around $23.7 million per year on a four-year contract worth approximately $94.9 million, according to Spotrac. He is also just 28 years old compared to Hendrickson, who is 31.
The Bengals are often known for being cautious spenders, but their defensive struggles last season make it clear that upgrades may be necessary if they hope to return to playoff contention.