The Green Bay Packers have put a great deal of resources into their defense. Ever since Brian Gutekunst became general manager in 2018, the team has used seven of its nine first round draft picks on defensive players. Of all of these players, just one is no longer with the team (Darnell Savage, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this offseason).
In addition to using high draft picks on defense, Green Bay has also made it a point to make the best of their best among the highest-paid players at their positions. Jaire Alexander, for example, makes more money per season ($21 million) than any other cornerback in the league. When Kenny Clark signed his deal, he was among the highest-paid interior defensive linemen, though now he ranks 15th ($17 million per season).
Last season, the Packers made Rashan Gary the eighth-highest paid pass rusher in the NFL ($24 million per season).
Why Did the Green Bay Packers Give Rashan Gary Such a Big Extension?
The Packers decided to give Gary a massive contract extension because, simply put, he is one of the most successful pass rushers in the NFL. While he may not have the high-sack totals of other players at his position, he does affect games in ways that do not show up in traditional stat sheets.
For example, in 2023, Gary had 9.0 sacks, which ranked 28th in the NFL. That kind of total and ranking certainly does not seem like it would warrant top-ten pass rusher money. However, per PFF, Gary ranked 15th among pass rushers (who played at least 50% of their team’s snaps) in total pressures. He also ranked 10th in what PFF calls PRP, which combines sacks, hits and hurries relative to how many times a player rushes the passer.
Now, here is where Gary’s value truly lies: ranked so highly in those categories despite playing 422 pass-rushing snaps, which itself ranks 41st among pass rushers. In other words, Gary accomplished more in less playing time than the majority of other players at his position.
Gary’s snap count was so low, of course, because the Packers were working him back slowly from his torn ACL that he suffered in 2022.
NFL Analyst Claims the Green Bay Packers Will Regret Giving Rashan Gary a Big Contract
Some people, including some NFL analysts, though, look at traditional stat totals to form their opinions on a player. That must have been what Bleacher Report‘s Brad Gagnon did when he wrote that Green Bay would soon regret giving Gary such a big contract:
“There’s no denying his talent, but Gary is now 26 and five years into his career. He’s never been a first- or second-team All-Pro, nor has he been a Pro Bowler. His numbers haven’t taken off, and his consistency is sometimes lacking. Has he peaked?”
In Gary’s five seasons, he has played 24%, 48%, 68%, 70%, and 53% of the defensive snaps. He was drafted as a project and has grown and matured as a player. Had he not torn his ACL midway through the 2022 season, this conversation may not be going on.
Now, a fully healthy Rashan Gary is going to be playing for a defensive coordinator (his third since being drafted) who wants to turn him loose in the backfield.
In other words, the numbers he will put up this year may finally match the work he does that does not show up on the stat sheet.
Green Bay’s contract may look like a bargain by the time he plays it out.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
