It wouldn't be a Dallas Cowboys offseason without Jerry Jones making a heavily scrutinized move. While Jones has authored a largely distraction-free offseason, trading for Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary caused an uproar at a local and national level.
While organized team activities (OTAs) only began on Monday, Gary is already showing why the Cowboys were willing to take a chance on him.
Media access has been limited to start OTAs, but Gary shared several photos on Instagram, including one that showed him mentoring newly converted pass rusher Marist Liufau (h/t Brandon Loree of Blogging The Boys).
That is exactly what you want to see from your most experienced edge defender. Gary may be new to Dallas, but he's already stepped into a leadership role, taking younger teammates under his wing before he's even played a snap for the franchise.
New Dallas Cowboys OLB Rashan Gary is already leading at OTAs
A third-round pick in 2024, Liufau played off-ball linebacker his first two seasons. He's capable of making splash plays when triggering downhill, but he often overruns plays and fills the wrong gaps against the run. He doesn't have the discipline to be trusted at linebacker.
Having a third defensive coordinator in as many seasons is challenging enough. Liufau has to overcome that while also learning a new position. It has to feel great to have an accomplished vet like Gary in his corner, teaching him the ropes.
Even with limited media access, there are only so many takeaways available at OTA practices. A seven-year vet and a Pro Bowler in 2024, Gary is expected to stand out in drills. What really mattered was how quickly he'd assimilate into the locker room and connect with his new teammates, and he's already checking those boxes.
It's early, but Jerry Jones could not have asked for a better start for his widely panned trade acquisition.
It certainly didn't help Jones that the trade was analyzed through Micah-Parsons-colored glasses, as it marked Jerry's first notable attempt to improve their pass rush since dealing Parsons last August.
A two-way edge defender, Gary is arguably more consistent against the run than he is as a pass rusher. The Cowboys never labeled him the "Parsons replacement," but that comparison was inevitable the moment they traded for a DE after shipping out their franchise pass rusher.
There's also the fact that Gary appeared to be on the verge of being released by the Packers. Giving up a fourth-round pick in a loaded 2027 draft for a player who might have gotten the boot was understandably criticized, even if it allowed Dallas to jump to the front of the line for his services.
There's plenty of time to determine whether the Cowboys won the trade, but they're already seeing the signs from Gary that they were hoping for. That bodes well.
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