Rashan Gary's time with the Dallas Cowboys without a clear threat to his starting job was very short-lived. After adding the veteran pass rusher in the middle of the 2026 offseason, Dallas would utilize a first-round pick to bring in edge rusher Malachi Lawrence. Already, Donovan Ezeiruaku was an exciting young option that had shown signs of life as a potential starting option.
Gary was brought in as a veteran presence after an underwhelming finish to the 2025 season with the Green Bay Packers. The former Packer had 7.5 sacks, with all of his damage coming in the first half of the season, before an unexplained drought set the defender up to find a new offseason landing spot. Now, Dallas has made it clear that Gary's role is completely dependent on performance, lessening the edge rusher's job security.
Drafting Lawrence in the first round promises that the rookie is going to be a part of the team's future. This leaves one starting role with Gary going in as the favorite, but no longer having the level of security and reason for confidence that was present before the selection of Lawrence. It is the reality of a league focused on winning above all else and finding long-term, cheap production.
With this in mind, if Dallas can find production from its young options, there is no question that Gary is going to be the odd man out. Whether this means parting ways with the veteran or simply a demotion as a rotational option, both are relevant possibilities after the arrival of Lawrence.
Cowboys Send Rashan Gary a Clear Message with 2026 Draft Decisions
From the perspective of Dallas, this is a great decision that deepens a unit still trying to recover from the loss of Micah Parsons ahead of the 2025 season. While you're realistically never going to replace a generational pass rusher with a single piece, the franchise is making the right decision, adding depth and competition, with the notable draft pick of Lawrence.
Gary must understand that the Cowboys are coming off an incredibly frustrating season defensively, when the team's notable additions on defense almost universally failed. This leaves fans and coaches with a level of skepticism that requires competition and an open mind at nearly every position.
This includes edge rusher, where the former Packer has been put on notice and should understand the road that lies ahead. Drafting Lawrence took away the previous security and made sure it was understood that the level of production it will take for Dallas to stick with Gary as the second starting option off the edge. No question, it will be an entertaining position to keep an eye on throughout training camp and into the preseason.
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