Green Bay Packers Face Pass-Rush Uncertainty After Rashan Gary Trade

The Green Bay Packers have undergone significant changes along their defensive front, parting ways with standout Pro Bowl outside linebacker Rashan Gary, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. They also lost another promising edge defender, Kingsley Enagbare, who signed with the New York Jets during free agency. These moves have created a noticeable gap in the team’s pass-rush capabilities heading into the new season. Even with the addition of fourth-round rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton, the Packers’ outside linebacker unit remains full of uncertainty. Questions persist about how effectively the group can generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks without their former veteran leaders. The transition marks a pivotal moment for Green Bay’s defensive identity. In the midst of this roster overhaul, former first-round selection Lukas Van Ness is set to enter the campaign as a full-time starter for the first time since being drafted in 2023. While Van Ness showed encouraging signs in his most recent season, many observers wonder if he can consistently anchor the edge for a franchise with serious playoff ambitions. His development will be central to the team’s success on defense. Given these circumstances, speculation has grown that the Packers might pursue an experienced veteran to bolster their pass rush. One name that has surfaced prominently is Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl edge rusher Josh Sweat, who delivered a career-high 12 sacks during the previous year. With Arizona appearing to be in rebuild mode, rumors of a potential deal between the two teams circulated earlier, and some accounts indicated that discussions had taken place. However, recent analysis suggests that if Sweat becomes available, he may not land in Green Bay after all. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton outlined why another NFC North rival, the Chicago Bears, could be better positioned to acquire the veteran defender. The Bears, having missed out on All-Pro Maxx Crosby due to salary cap constraints, could pivot toward Sweat as a more affordable alternative. With roughly $9.8 million in guaranteed money remaining on his current contract, Sweat represents a realistic target compared to higher-priced options. The broader landscape of elite edge rushers features its own challenges, with All-Pro Micah Parsons expected to miss the opening month of the 2026 season as he recovers from a torn ACL sustained in December against the Denver Broncos. This development could influence how teams approach their pass-rush acquisitions throughout the year. As the Packers navigate their defensive overhaul, they will be closely watching the situation with Josh Sweat and exploring other options to strengthen their pass rush. The team’s ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks will be crucial to their success in the upcoming season. With Lukas Van Ness and Dani Dennis-Sutton leading the charge, the Packers will look to find the right combination of players to fill the void left by Rashan Gary and Kingsley Enagbare.