Gary has two years left on a $96 million deal, with base salaries of $18 million in 2026 and $21 million in 2027. Without a move, Green Bay would carry about a $28 million cap hit in 2026 and roughly $31 million in 2027, while Chicago would face $18 million in 2026 and $21 million in 2027—about $10 million cheaper for the Bears in the 2027 view.
A post-June 1 cut or a trade would clear significant space for Green Bay: roughly $19.5 million in 2026 and $22.5 million in 2027.
One potential path would be a Bears trade, potentially more attractive than letting Gary hit free agency. A fourth-round pick (No. 129 in 2026) or two Day-3 selections in 2026 and 2027 could be proposed, echoing prior trade patterns for Za’Darius Smith as a cost-effective move within the division.
Chicago’s best external options to address the edge need are Trey Hendrickson and Jaelan Phillips. Hendrickson would bring proven production but at a higher cost and with an older age; Phillips is younger but less proven. Gary’s health has been relatively steadier, and his production has varied in recent seasons.
In the 2025 season, Gary posted 7.5 sacks for a second consecutive year, yet his overall impact ranked around the middle of the pack (PFF No. 52 of 115 edge defenders with enough snaps). Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine even pegged Gary as a top potential Packers cap casualty entering 2026.
Overall, a trade with Green Bay may present a safer route for the Bears than a free-agent signing like Hendrickson, while Green Bay may prefer to move Gary rather than cut him, making a divisional deal a plausible option for both teams.
