Introduction: The Curious Case of Rashan Gary’s Decline
Rashan Gary may have earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024, but his standing among the NFL’s top edge rushers has noticeably slipped. Once considered a disruptive force on the edge for the Green Bay Packers, Gary failed to even receive an honorable mention in ESPN’s top edge rusher rankings for 2025, compiled by Jeremy Fowler via input from coaches, scouts, and executives.
Production Drop: A Closer Look at the Numbers
Gary’s 2024 stats paint the picture of a player who underperformed relative to his own standards:
- 7.5 sacks
- 15 quarterback hits
- 47 pressures
- 416 pass-rushing snaps
Compare that to his 2023 season:
- 9.0 sacks
- 22 quarterback hits
- 60 pressures
- 384 pass-rushing snaps
Despite playing more pass-rushing snaps, Gary’s production in 2024 declined significantly. This regression suggests a troubling trend that the Packers must address heading into the 2025 season.
Declining Metrics: PFF Grades Don’t Lie
Pro Football Focus (PFF) has tracked Gary’s pass-rushing grades falling each of the past three years. His peak performance came in 2021, when he posted:
- 81 pressures
- 9.5 sacks
- 28 QB hits
That season marked Gary’s dominance on the edge and solidified his status as one of the league’s rising stars. Unfortunately, that trajectory has since cooled.
Why Gary’s Disruption Is Vital to Packers’ Success
Green Bay’s pass rush was inconsistent in Jeff Hafley’s first year as defensive coordinator. While Gary held his own against the run, his primary role as a pass-rusher requires game-changing plays. To keep opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable, the Packers need Gary to reclaim his disruptive form.
ESPN’s Top Edge Rushers in 2025: No Gary in Sight
Here’s who cracked ESPN’s top 10 edge rushers list:
- Myles Garrett (CLE)
- TJ Watt (PIT)
- Micah Parsons (DAL)
- Maxx Crosby (LV)
- Nick Bosa (SF)
- Trey Hendrickson (CIN)
- Aidan Hutchinson (DET)
- Will Anderson Jr. (HOU)
- Danielle Hunter (HOU)
- Jared Verse (LAR)
The absence of Rashan Gary—despite his Pro Bowl selection—emphasizes the importance of disruption over accolades in league perception.
Can Rashan Gary Bounce Back in 2025?
The key question entering the 2025 NFL season is this: Can Rashan Gary rediscover his pass-rushing explosiveness? With a full year in Hafley’s system under his belt, there’s reason to hope for a rebound. The Packers’ defensive ceiling depends heavily on Gary returning to elite form.
Conclusion: Time for Gary to Rise Again
Rashan Gary remains a vital piece of the Packers’ defensive puzzle, but to be counted among the NFL’s best edge rushers, he must be more disruptive in 2025. With talent, experience, and opportunity in hand, this season offers Gary a golden chance to restore his dominance—and his reputation.
