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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 12: Rashan Gary #52 and Micah Parsons #1 of the Green Bay Packers look on against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lambeau Field on October 12, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears – and indeed the NFC North in general – loves nothing more than signing disgruntled free agents from each other, particularly when it comes to the Green Bay Packers.
Historically, the Minnesota Vikings have gotten the lion’s share (no pun intended) of the best ex-Packers free agents: Aaron Jones back in 2024, Za’Darius Smith back in 2022 and indeed Brett Favre all the way back in 2009 – via a one-year stint with the New York Jets.
But Chicago have managed to get a couple in there now and again, most recently tight end Jimmy Graham, who signed with the Bears in 2020 after being released by Green Bay that March.
And in this free agent proposal, or indeed potentially-free agent proposal, the Bears make a move for Packers defensive end Rashan Gary.
Packers Defensive Lineman Could Become Available in 2026
Gary is currently under contract in Green Bay through 2027, but Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon believes he could be a surprise roster cut between now and the start of free agency.
“Micah Parsons is the guy now in Green Bay, and assuming he recovers from his torn ACL this offseason, the team could opt to give more support snaps on the edge to Kingsley Enagbare and Lukas Van Ness. Gary is coming off back-to-back “meh” 7.5-sack campaigns.” Gagnon writes.
“The 28-year-old is owed more than $28 million for 2026, and the Packers have very limited cap flexibility. They can save nearly $11 million by releasing the former first-round pick.”
The former Michigan man was given kudos by general manager Brian Gutekunst, in his press conference earlier this month, that lead many to believe the team were open to keeping him around in 2026.
But Gagnon argues that due to his middling production and inability to kick-on into becoming one of the more dominant pass rushers in the league – something his physical skill-set and raw talent certainly implies should be possible – Green Bay may well look to move off Gary if they cannot figure out a restructured deal that aids their cap situation.
“Gary is no longer a top priority and could be released if the team can’t work out a favorable restructure.”
Would Rashan Gary Work in Chicago?
If Gary is subsequently released, the Bears make about as much sense as any team.
Chicago does not have a whole lot of cap space available; indeed right now they are just under $10 million above the cap; but there are multiple moves that the team can make, such as cutting linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and/or Cole Kmet that would put them back in the green and give them flexibility to add a player or two.
And defensive end is an area of priority this offseason – Montez Sweat is getting older and more expensive, whilst last offseason’s free agent pickup Dayo Odeyingbo did not live up to his 3 year $48 million contract.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has always found a way to get the most out of talented pass rushers on the edge, and the opportunity to steal a productive player at a high-value position from their rivals – and not give up compensatory pick privileges in the process – should be one that the Bears seriously consider if Gary is in fact released.
Daniel Arwas Daniel Arwas is a sports writer who covers the NFL for Heavy.com. Daniel began his career in sports writing in 2022 and has covered the NFL and college football for Gridiron Heroics and The Hammer. More about Daniel Arwas
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