Cowboys’ Rashan Gary Gets Honest on Expectations

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rashan Gary expressed his determination to excel with his new team following his trade from the Green Bay Packers. Gary, a former first-round draft pick and 2024 Pro Bowler, aims to establish himself as a key contributor for the Cowboys after seven seasons with the Packers. In 2025, he recorded 45 tackles, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 16 games played. Speaking through Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News, Gary emphasized his desire to be a dominant force rather than simply being present in the NFL. “I’m trying to be great,” he stated. “That’s my thing. I’m not just here to say I played in the NFL. I want to be a dominant factor.” Throughout his career, Gary has shown flashes of brilliance, posting 7.5 or more sacks in four of his seven seasons. However, he has not consistently been a major turnover creator, with only seven forced fumbles and zero interceptions in his career. Gary reflected on his legacy, stating, “When I hang up my cleats, I want people to say, ‘Man, Rashan Gary was blah, blah, blah,’ whatever the case may be. It's my legacy. It's what I'm going to leave my kids. It's bigger than me now.” This sentiment underscores his commitment to leaving a lasting impact on the field. The Cowboys' defense faces a critical rebuilding phase after finishing near the bottom of the league in 2025. The team lost their star linebacker, Micah Parsons, to the Packers, which significantly impacted their defensive performance. Gary’s arrival is seen as a potential turning point for the unit. He will join forces with Dee Winters, who was acquired in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers. Winters contributed 67 tackles and one interception last season, making him a valuable addition to the linebacker corps. Together, Gary and Winters aim to elevate the Cowboys' defense. The team hopes to see Gary replicate his standout 2021 campaign, where he achieved career highs of 9.5 sacks and 47 tackles. That level of production is crucial for the Cowboys as they look to improve their defensive output in 2026. The Cowboys’ coaching staff and management are optimistic about the potential synergy between Gary and Winters. Their combined experience and skills could provide much-needed stability and leadership within the linebacker group. With both players eager to contribute, the team is positioning itself for a stronger defensive presence in the upcoming season. As training camp approaches, the focus will shift toward integrating Gary into the team’s system and maximizing his contributions. His ability to perform under pressure and his track record of success suggest he is well-equipped to meet these challenges. The Cowboys’ fans will be watching closely to see how quickly he adapts to his new environment and whether he can deliver the type of playmaking that could redefine the franchise’s defensive identity.