Much like the rest of the Green Bay Packers’ defensive line, Rashan Gary took a step back in production last season. After totaling 60 pressures and nine sacks in 2023, he finished 2024 with only 47 pressures and 7.5 sacks. However, Gary’s dip in numbers was only a symptom of a much bigger problem with Green Bay’s pass rush.
The Packers finished last season ranked 27th in pass-rush win rate. Gary led the team in pressure but ranked just 31st among qualified edge rushers league-wide. Meanwhile, Keisean Nixon matched first-round pick Lukas Van Ness in sacks. Green Bay consistently failed to generate heat on opposing quarterbacks and paid the price in their 22-10 Wild Card loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
After the season, the Packers parted ways with defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich and brought in DeMarcus Covington to fill the role. Covington’s arrival brings fresh energy, but he can’t work miracles on his own. His coaching will be critical for the defensive line to take the next step. But, ultimately, it’s on the players to handle their business on the field.
It starts with the player Green Bay paid to be the guy up front: Rashan Gary.
The Packers and Gary agreed to a four-year, $96 million deal in October 2023. Since then, he has recorded 79 pressures but only 4.5 sacks. However, Gary was chipped on 14.89% of plays last year, ranking 10th among all edge rushers. While his sack total dipped compared to previous years, Gary’s impact was evident – offenses frequently adjusted their protection to account for him.
Many of the chips he faced resulted from his strong run defense. Last year, ESPN rated him as the top edge rusher in run-stop win rate. Gary had the best year of his career in 2021, recording 81 pressures and 9.5 sacks. His signature performance came in the snowy Divisional Round showdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field.
While Gary has shown flashes of dominance, he has not fully developed into a game-changing force like Maxx Crosby, Aidan Hutchinson, Micah Parsons, and others. However, the Packers are paying him to be that guy. Plenty of tape highlights his natural talent, but the next step is turning that potential into consistent, elite-level production.
Packers Wire’s Zach Kruse recently named Gary one player who could go from good to great in 2025. Kruse pointed out the noticeable difference between Gary’s pre- and post-injury versions, referencing the torn ACL he suffered in 2022.
“Gary looked headed for stardom before a knee injury struck in 2022. He’s firmly in the ‘good’ tier of edge rushers, but 16.5 sacks over the last 34 regular-season games is underwhelming,” Kruse wrote.
“Also, Gary went from 9.5 sacks and 22 quarterback hits in 2023 to just 7.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits in 2024. Can he reverse the trend? If the Packers can get the 2021 version of Gary — who produced 87 total pressures and 28 quarterback hits — the pass-rush issues will be solved in a big way.”
Still, while Gary needs to be the kind of player who can take over a game, it’s impossible to reach that level without help up front. Kenny Clark managed only one sack last season and needs to step up as a veteran anchor. Devonte Wyatt will enter the final year of his rookie deal, and if he hopes to earn a second contract in Green Bay, he has to deliver more consistent production.
Van Ness must also take a significant Year 3 leap. He’ll start veering dangerously close to bust territory if he doesn’t. These players don’t need to dominate, but they need to at least pose a threat in the trenches — something the Packers sorely lacked last season. If that threat is there, it gives Gary a better shot at beating protection one-on-one instead of constantly being chipped and schemed against.
The fastest path for Gary to reach true superstar status comes through a collective effort. If he can return to his 2021 form, it will open up more one-on-one opportunities for the rest of the defensive line. If those guys can capitalize, it will force offenses to play Gary straight-up, giving him the same chance in return.
Still, if that happens, he must deliver. It’s time he breaks through the 10-sack barrier. With a growing sense of urgency inside the building to compete for a championship, every player on Green Bay’s roster should be motivated to raise their game, including their $96 million edge rusher, who needs to start playing like a superstar.
