Green Bay Packers linebacker Rashan Gary is set to become a free agent after this season, but the Packers may look to extend his contract before he becomes available on the open market.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes that Green Bay could be proactive in securing Gary’s future.
“The Packers typically attempt to sign key players to contract extensions late in their contract years, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers make a strong push to re-sign Gary in November or December,” Fowler wrote.
Rashan Gary is still working his way back from a torn ACL he suffered in the middle of the previous season. While he hasn’t been an every-down player yet, he has made a significant impact in a limited role, with nine tackles and 4.5 sacks in the current season.
The 25-year-old, who played college football at the University of Michigan, was the 12th overall pick by Green Bay in the 2019 NFL Draft.
In his rookie season, Gary had a limited impact, recording 21 tackles and two sacks. However, he showed significant improvement in his second year, registering 35 tackles, five sacks, and a fumble recovery.
Gary had a breakout year in 2021, with 47 tackles, 9.5 sacks, a couple of forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery, marking his most productive season to date.
Unfortunately, Gary’s 2021 season was cut short after just nine games due to a knee injury, but he still managed to accumulate 32 tackles, six sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery during that time.
The Packers have had a challenging start to the 2022 season, with a 2-3 record, including a recent loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in a hard-fought game. Green Bay will be hoping to turn things around soon.