Gary, 28, has two years left on a $96 million deal, with base salaries of $18 million and $21 million. He produced 7.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons and, according to Pro Football Focus, ranked 52nd of 115 edge defenders who played enough snaps in 2025. That production level has fueled questions about whether the contract fits his value.
From a cap perspective, a Gary trade would present distinct numbers for each side. The Packers would carry a $28 million cap hit next season, while the Bears would only count his $18 million base salary against their cap in 2026. In 2027, Chicago would owe a $21 million base salary, with Green Bay bearing a roughly $31 million cap hit that season.
Analysts suggest the Bears could pursue Gary with a mid-round draft asset, potentially No. 129 in the fourth round, or a combination of 2026 and 2027 fifth-round picks. That would echo past NFC North trades involving veteran pass-rushers and would provide Chicago with a stopgap answer at edge while addressing other needs on the interior or at safety.
Compared with top free-agent targets like Trey Hendrickson or Jaelan Phillips, Gary offers a lower up-front cost and a shorter commitment. Hendrickson carries an AAV north of $25 million and is older, while Phillips is younger but projects to around $17 million per season on a three-year deal. Gary’s two-year window and relative health in recent years present a different risk/reward profile for the Bears.
Overall, a Rashan Gary trade represents a calculated, short-term gamble for Chicago: a viable path to bolster the pass rush quickly without locking into a long, expensive deal. It could also provide Green Bay with meaningful cap relief and a chance to recoup value via a mid-round pick, making the pitch potentially compelling for both sides if the numbers align.
