Rashan Gary is the Green Bay Packers’ No. 1 edge-rusher. He has had some dominant games for sure in his young career on Lombardi Avenue. Last season, he had multiple games with three sacks. So, if there are some fans out there that didn’t know any better, they’d probably think he ended up with double-digit sacks and an All-Pro nod. Except, that’s not at all what happened.

Gary had two three-sack games, but he only finished with nine sacks in total. In other words, aside from those two games, he totaled up three sacks in the other 15 games. That’s just not good enough, especially after getting a four-year extension earlier in 2023.

So, it’s time to examine how Gary can prove to NFL observers that he is an All-Pro type of edge-rusher in 2024. Fans also need to understand why it is crucial from a contractual perspective.

Must Improve Signature Stats

The sack numbers definitely need to be improve. Now, a torn ACL in 2022 didn’t help is growth much. But still, he is yet to record 10+ sacks in his five-year career. Also, 31-year-old edge-rusher Preston Smith, who is Green Bay’s No. 2 edge-rusher, finished with more total sacks in 2023 if playoffs are included (9.5). Putting the quarterback on the ground has to become more of a frequent activity for Gary.

Along with his sacks being down, the former Michigan Wolverine didn’t set a single career-high in any other major statistical pass-rush category. His QB hurries, knockdowns, and pressures were all lower than Packer fans would like. But again, he was coming off of a major injury and only played 53% of the snaps on defense (Pro Football Reference). The only reason why Green Bay supporters aren’t freaking out yet is because Gary wasn’t completely at full strength last season. If he puts up these kinds of numbers as a No. 1 edge-rusher next season with a new defensive coordinator, there will be even more cause for concern for sure.

His Contract

Again, Gary was gifted with a four-year extension last year worth $96 million. He’ll be a Packer for the foreseeable future. At least, he should be. But Green Bay has already started to turn up the pressure a bit. They restructured his contract last week in an effort to create more cap space. They wouldn’t have done that if he was playing as if he was on his way to Canton. If the former first-round pick wants to be compensated like an elite edge-rusher and have that be his role, he has to start playing like one. Ending the season a seven-game sickles streak doesn’t exactly scream $96 million.