The Green Bay Packers are not known for making many splash free agent signings. That is because they invest heavily in re-signing their own players. Aaron Rodgers and Jaire Alexander, for example, are the highest paid players at their respective positions. Additionally, the team was ready, willing, and able to make Davante Adams the highest paid wide receiver in NFL history before he forced a trade to the Las Vegas Raiders. According to several insider sources, edge rusher Rashan Gary is the next Packers player who will be given a massive contract extension. Last week, he addressed the rumors and how he is approaching the season.
What is the value of the rumored contract?
ESPN joined forces with PFF’s Brad Spielberger to come up with an estimate of what a possible extension would look like for Gary. They took into the account the fact that Gary has increased his production in every season of his career. Additionally, they compared that production with what top-of-the-market edge rushers are being paid. At the end of it all, the projected value of Gary’s contract will be five years for $136M.
If that figure is what Gary ends up getting, he will become the third highest paid edge rusher in the NFL. Only T.J. Watt and Joey Bosa would make more.
Rashan Gary addresses the contract rumors
Gary recently spoke with Bill Huber of SI.com about his rumored contract extension. On that topic, he had this to say.
“That would be my dream. That would be my dream. But I’ve got to keep my head down and work and not look too far ahead or all this talk is just talk.”
Rashan Gary's stats
As mentioned previously, Gary has increased his production in each of his three seasons with the Packers. If he continues to improve his production in 2022 and beyond, a $136M contract could turn out to be a bargain.
- 2019: 244 snaps (24% of defensive plays); one fumble recovery; 2.0 sacks; 21 tackles; five pressures
- 2020: 456 snaps (48% of defensive plays); one fumble recovery; 5.0 sacks; 35 tackles; 19 pressures
- 2021: 681 snaps (68% of defensive plays); two forced fumbles; one fumble recovery; 9.5 sacks; 47 tackles; 47 pressures
When will a contract extension be signed?
The Green Bay Packers inked Alexander to a massive contract extension this offseason. Alexander, the Packers’ first round pick in 2018, is entering his fifth season in the NFL and is playing under his fifth-year option this season. The Packers had picked up that option last season.
Using this development as a gauge, it is reasonable to assume that the Packers will wait to offer Gary an extension until next offseason. They recently picked up his fifth-year option, which will pay him north of $10M next year. Despite a top-heavy salary cap in 2023 and beyond, there are moves that can be made to ensure Gary is locked up long-term.
More must-reads: