Cory's Corner: It's Time To Reward Rashan Gary
Gary has been the lone bright spot on this team and he's in a contract year. With every impressive game, his price goes up.
There are a lot of things to complain about in this young season.
But Rashan Gary isn’t one of them.
I figured it would take until October for him to come back to full health after tearing his right ACL in Week 9 on Nov. 6 last season. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
There are so many metrics that will judge an athlete but you cannot judge heart.
On Aug. 7, the linebacker returned to practice and many had raised eyebrows. “My circle, my family, everybody knows what I’ve been putting into this,” Gary said during training camp. “I told them that it means a lot. I’m just happy and excited to be back out there.”
By the way the fifth-year pro is playing, you can’t tell that he was even injured. According to Pro Football Focus, among all edge rushers, Gary has a win rate of 39.5 percent — which is higher than Myles Garrett (31.1) and Nick Bosa (28.1). He also has 13 hurries and five sacks, which includes three sacks against New Orleans in Week 3.
There are a lot of things that have gone wrong for the Packers. But Gary has always been there. And the problem is, he has done it under the radar. While he has been running through, over and around blockers, the offense has been getting progressively worse. The 2-3 Packers could very well be 1-4 if not for a late comeback vs. the Saints. I guess you could also argue that they could be 4-1 as well, but I’m not buying that.
But with all this good news there is some trepidation. Gary, 25, is a free agent after this season and he’s going to command All-Pro money. I think the hold up is Jordan Love. The Packers gave him a one-year deal and I don’t think they still know and understand what they truly have under center. However, the longer they wait, the higher the price on Gary is going to be.
I get that in order to have consistent success in this league, you need to have a solid quarterback. But you also have to provide consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks if you ever want to stop them.
I still don’t know if Love is a franchise quarterback. The Packers could sign both as long as Love gets mid-tier money, which is fair. But Gary is going to want something similar to Bosa money, which is a five-year, $170 million contract the 49ers gave him in September.
Gary is the best thing the Packers have going right now. He is one of the most talented edge rushers in the league but more importantly, he has the heart of a lion that refuses to give up. Even if Gary didn’t get out to this fast start, signing him should’ve been a priority — he’s a guy that every team wants in their locker room as an example to every single player.
The Packers have a chance to add a cornerstone player that does things the right way. The clock is ticking at 1265 Lombardi Ave.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (46)
T7Steve
October 17, 2023 at 06:30 am
Have to sign him, no matter what the cost is. If they don't, expect him on another team (you know which one) in the NFCN.
dobber
October 17, 2023 at 07:59 am
Yeah, they didn't invest a high pick in him and nurse him along to the point that he's now a premier pass-rusher to just let him walk. People questioned his dedication and his work ethic coming out of college...well, I think that pretty much answers it.
At this stage they will have had some kinds of talks and they'll know about his signability and what it will likely take. I've heard nothing about animosity on either side--it sounds like they'll be able to get something done.
That said--IF (and I mean if) they DON'T think they can sign him, then I'd be thinking franchise tag...fully knowing that franchising players often kills their relationship with the front office. That buys some time to get something done, but it's a cap killer, too.
"he looked slow on a couple plays"
Really? I'd like so see how you'd move LESS THAN A YEAR removed from ACL repair. He looks pretty damn good.
"What if we change GMs or coaches?"
You keep your life savings in a pillowcase under your bed, don't you?
Coldworld
October 17, 2023 at 08:25 am
Gary has looked far better far earlier than I expected coming off his injury.
LaFleur has said that he’d be out there initially purely as a rusher on 3rd downs. It strikes me that that’s his role when he’s in. That might not excuse a lack of recognition, but if the mindset sought is rush first, it will certainly influence it.
Many were in awe of the rushers we’ve faced in the last two games. Both played against our OL and feasted. Gary still has a better success rate per snap than either. I dread to think what he’d do lined up against our OL when it matters.
TKWorldWide
October 17, 2023 at 08:42 am
Well put, jibman!
Savage57
October 17, 2023 at 07:06 am
I'm leaning towards no. It's too rich of a come bet with the odds about even he'll be a standout pass rusher or just another Packers 'sign our own' cash and cap bonfire in a long line of too many.
He's showing some potential to be a disruptive pass rusher, but beyond that he's not a game wrecker, although I suspect his 2nd contract expectations won't reflect that. Let some other team overpay for it. The Packers don't need another Nick PIRry contract year bubble on their books.
I don't hate Gary. I just don't love him at the price he's going to expect.
jjbathgate66
October 17, 2023 at 12:50 pm
Kind of think the same, good player ! Great not quite Micah Parsens. Schemed by a guy that never adjusts schemes. Barry is the guy that will ultimately be the end for this group. Why they have held on to this guy really?
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 17, 2023 at 04:43 pm
You want to let one of the best past rushers go b/c he's not Micah Parsons? How does that help GB? And how does it look to the rest of the squad if the team doesn't reward effort and results? That won't endear any players to GB.
packerfanroy
October 17, 2023 at 05:30 pm
You think Gary is "Great" but you wouldnt sign him back????
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 17, 2023 at 04:41 pm
You let him go and who will you have rushing the passer? You would likely have to invest another really high draft pick to get a good rusher. Why would you not reward a player who has performed? Nick Perry had one good season and they overpaid. Gary has steadily progressed and except for his injury has done everything you want a young player to do. He'll just go to another team and beat the Packers. Why let your most talented guys go to another team? It's not like they've done great at drafting pass rushers. They will likely lose Preston Smith as well next season. You ready to run with Enagbare and Van Ness next year with some nobodies behind them?
packerfanroy
October 17, 2023 at 05:28 pm
Gary isnt Nick Perry....He plays one of the premier positions (QB,T,Edge)... If we don't pay him it sends a really bad message to the rest of the locker room and future draft picks...We need to invest cap into the position. Doing that by paying the guys we have who have earned it is cheaper and more reliable than doing it through FA. He hasnt been a game wrecker because he is on a snap count while coming back from injury....When he is off the snap count he is gonna make the whole front 7 better...
fireball
October 17, 2023 at 07:29 am
I can't see paying Gary 20 million let alone 34 million a year. He's mainly a pass-rusher. His whole mentality is to get to the quarterback. It's one of the reasons he often does not protect the edge. I would be more interested in Gary's trade value. Besides the saving of money, could we also get a first-rounder for him? Or more?
T7Steve
October 17, 2023 at 07:35 am
With more inside help he's becoming much better protecting against the run.
Edge rushers don't grow on trees. You have to pay them.
stockholder
October 17, 2023 at 07:47 am
Gutey didn't want to pay CM3.
Others did. We drafted Van Ess.
Keep the options on the table.
Coldworld
October 17, 2023 at 08:31 am
Aside from the fact that Ball controls contracts, Matthews played one more year. He was then cut by the Rams after 1 season to save 3.5 million in cap and that ended his career.
dobber
October 17, 2023 at 10:18 am
Ball runs a lot of the off-field day-to-day of the organization and does the negotiating, but I don't think he has carte blanche authority to negotiate on his own. He's likely working in partnership with BG on roster composition and also taking orders from MM.
Bitternotsour
October 17, 2023 at 11:21 am
Yes. Ball gets his marching orders from Murphy. Murphy is, as they say, the decider.
How's that for stupid. A CTE addled 68 year old at the top of the food chain. Nice work, Board of Directors.
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 17, 2023 at 04:54 pm
You ARE bitter. In the articles I read, Gutey gets full control of the roster. I love that you hate the guy who has been running the franchise that has won more games in the last decade than like 4 other teams. And, developing the business side so that the GBP stay in GB. I don't get what has earned such hate towards Murphy. Ageism? How old are you?
Coldworld
October 17, 2023 at 05:16 pm
Gute picks the players. He does not determine contracts or control the usage made of them by coaches. Ball oversees finance, salary-cap management, player contracts, football administration, travel expenses, facilities, remodeling and the medical staff.
"It would be very different if Matt was reporting directly to Brian and he was a supervisor. Now there is a partnership that I think will really benefit the organization," Murphy said. "If they can't agree on something, they come to me and what I usually say is we'll sit down and I want you to work it out. And then they work it out.” Mark Murphy on his new structure.
“"For us to be successful, the most important thing is for (Brian Gutekunst) to really be able to focus on the draft, acquiring players, the 90-man roster, the 53-man roster." Mark Murphy.
Coldworld
October 17, 2023 at 05:05 pm
I’d hope not, but I equally doubt that Gute gets to say what we are willing to pay and where the line falls. If he could then he’d be effectively controlling the process.
jannesbjornson
October 17, 2023 at 10:06 am
Do not ink him mid-season. Play it out and consider the options.
DoubleJ
October 17, 2023 at 04:46 pm
What would those options be? He keeps playing lights out rushing the passer and can hold the edge and gets an all-pro bid and we pay even more? Or see if someone wants to offer us a Hershal Walker level trade?
SicSemperTyrannis
October 17, 2023 at 10:20 pm
I don't know how much you have to pay him. The main legitimate complaint about "diva" is outlandish pay. If he makes 20MM or 8, does it change his life? No. Does it change the team? Yes.
Why is 20MM not enough? For anybody.
dobber
October 17, 2023 at 07:51 am
People spend too much time looking at AAV. AAV means dick--it's just something people spout because it's easy to do the math. The important numbers are guarantees, bonuses, and cap hits--and where they manifest--that you need to look at, and many of those are massage-able.
Even if his cap hit in 2024 is $30M, that puts him 4th among 3-4 OLB behind Watt, Mack, and Bosa. I don't see any way those players end up with those hits because teams always massage out the guarantees and cash value. This season only two 3-4 OLB are over $20M in cap hit (Watt and Danielle Hunter) Watt's at about $29M and Hunter is barely over $20M. I expect next year's numbers will change to look more like this.
LeotisHarris
October 17, 2023 at 08:40 am
Yes, what dobber said.
Plus, and extra thumbs-up for "AAV means dick--it's just something people spout because it's easy to do the math," even though I'm deep into the easy-to-do-math fan club.
TKWorldWide
October 17, 2023 at 08:47 am
Sign me and my abacus up as well.
stockholder
October 17, 2023 at 07:33 am
I'd franchise him.
The injuries in GB, have changed the landscape.
There have been couple of plays, when he looked slow.
With all the people here calling for Barrys head.
He might not fit the next Defensive scheme.
Is Gary a True OLB, or DE.?
And what happens if Gutey leaves, with Murphy retiring.
Pay for play Was still the TT way.
Gutey isn't TT. And he isn't Wolf for sure.
The extra picks for Gary might just save the franchise.
Especially since the bigger question is Love.
TKWorldWide
October 17, 2023 at 08:49 am
In a 3-4, he’s an edge. In a 4-3, he’s a defensive end.
But, it doesn’t matter. Nickel is the new base.
I don’t think anyone worries if Nick Bosa or Myles Garrett can play pass coverage.
dobber
October 17, 2023 at 09:03 am
Winner!
stockholder
October 17, 2023 at 02:08 pm
If you remember Aaron Kampman,
He Flopped when moved to LB 2009.
If you remember Cullen Jenkins in 2010.
You know the durability issues per 2008.
I doubt TT would pay. Gary and might
trade him, if he was still the GM.
Especially knowing we're in a Rebuild.
DoubleJ
October 17, 2023 at 04:48 pm
Ok so Packers are rebuilding. That means you want young players. Gary is only 25!!! He is just entering his prime. Those are the players you keep during a rebuild. You get rid of the old players like Rodgers.
stockholder
October 17, 2023 at 07:26 pm
2 for 1. That was the point.
I'm for Franchising him.
Not because he's old.
But because it's paying guy
without the risk of a Bahk.
DoubleJ
October 18, 2023 at 09:16 am
So you want them to just keep giving Gary 1 year contracts because he got hurt once. That doesn't work and every player can get injured regardless of having had injuries before or not. Or perhaps they should franchise and trade him then? You know get rid of the good players for prospects? Overall you aren't making any sense what soever.
WestCoastPackerBacker
October 17, 2023 at 04:56 pm
TT paid Clay Matthews handsomely. Same with Nick Perry, Aaron Rodgers, etc. Thompson paid guys what their performance and the market dictated.
stockholder
October 17, 2023 at 07:31 pm
He paid Adams.
When everyone thought too much.
But what a Bargain that turned out to be.
Is Gary that same Bargain.
Or has he reached his peak.
If only he didn't get injured.
TxFred
October 17, 2023 at 08:21 am
How can MLF & his staff let this coachable,talented and young team play like it's on the job training with no basic, fundamental nfl coaching? TE's can't block, execute routes, WR out running plays, run & pass blocking sickening. Fans see and know this, other team are fully aware. Have no fear nor respect for this team. MLF desperately needs to get into details on what is not going on with his assistants coaching team techniques. Talented and skilled players are dying on the vine.
TKWorldWide
October 17, 2023 at 08:45 am
In the modern NFL: passer, playmaker, pass protector, pass rusher, pass coverage. Gary checks box #3.
Next??
RCPackerFan
October 17, 2023 at 09:39 am
"NFL: passer, playmaker, pass protector, pass rusher, pass coverage. Gary checks box #3."
Passer - Love
We don't know what Love will be yet as a QB. We have seen good moments and some bad ones. Which is to be expected. And unfortunately he has had to deal with a lot of youth and injuries around him.
Playmaker - Jones, Watson, Doubs, Musgrave, Reed, Wicks
Our playmakers right now we have Jones and Watson. Unfortunately they have essentially played in 1 game each so far. Hopefully this week we have both guys on the field together. Behind those guys it depends how you define playmaker. Doubs is more of the possession type but one that makes most catches that comes his way. Musgrave has the speed to stretch the field. I expect us to start seeing more of that soon. Reed is a guy that can absolutely be a playmaker. Getting Jones and Watson back will help him. Wicks has been one of the most consistent playmakers. I'd like to see him get more opportunities.
Our playmakers minus Jones are all young and have at least flashed the playmaking potential.
Pass Protector - LT Bakhtiari? RT Tom.
This one is tough. Bakhtiari when on the field is the best LT in the league. Unfortunately he hasn't been able to stay on the field. Tom has played well at RT overall. He has played hurt which hasn't helped him. But i like what I have seen. This is a position they will likely be adding to in the future.
Pass Rusher - Gary
Gary is a stud. Plain and simple. Behind him we have some guys that can get to the QB as well. Enagbare, Van Ness are guys I am looking forward to watching more.
Pass Coverage - Alexander, Douglas, Stokes?
Alexander and Douglas form one of the best duos in the league. I'm curious to see what Stokes looks like when he comes back.
stockholder
October 17, 2023 at 02:10 pm
Injuries- Check.
TKWorldWide
October 17, 2023 at 06:10 pm
Every team has them: check.
pantz_bURp
October 17, 2023 at 09:46 am
Cory, "he has the heart of a Lion". Couldn't you have chosen a different way to get your point across? 😁
He best not join the motor city kitties.
I loved his emotion right after he was drafted by the Pack. He is looking more like that ol' 6-gun shooter Timmy Harris. We need him and Quay to show others that it truly is okay to play physical and fast on D and win your one on ones.
This ain't marbles!,
3rd down and Pantz to go
***pay him the least amount he will accept where he feels like he is appreciated with tied in performance incentives that need to be reached to collect all the phat stacks of cash. THAT WAS EASY!
** I see Ball quickly locking the door after #52 leaves the room. Ball ain't answering any calls, not responding to knocks at the door. He is quiet, quiet as a church mouse. >^••^<
ImaPayne
October 17, 2023 at 09:48 am
I say trade him, he really looks like a slow muel. He is smart to jump on the pile late to get credit for tackles aka Hawk. So he gets a sack, usually late in games when o line is tired.
Save the money, get some picks, ship him out defense will miss nothing.
IMO he refuses contract and opts for big money elsewhere and were left holding the bag aka Perry. This guy wants max moooney. Perrt played very well in year five to get out of dodge and this guy will to.
pantz_bURp
October 17, 2023 at 09:56 am
Stubourn as a muel, yu sayy? 😁
dobber
October 17, 2023 at 10:19 am
Tell us more about how smart Zimmer and Spielman were.
jont
October 17, 2023 at 02:01 pm
Signing Gary is a no-brainer. He's playing 30% of snaps and making plays. Get him back to 100% physically and 80-90% on the field, and he's your star player.
You need two or three genuine impact players on each side of the ball to go anywhere in the playoffs, and getting rid of one now means the FO sees the next couple of seasons as lost, as non-competive. Just as Love, Watson, and Doubs are (hoped to be) in their ascendancy? Really?
Look at his stats and age, compare these to other edges, and the market has set his price. Pay it.
packerfanroy
October 17, 2023 at 06:05 pm
Sign Gary....
He is not Nick Perry.
He makes the rest of the defensive front better.
Good against the run, also.
Plays a Premium position.
LVN is gonna take a year, probably two, to develop into a NFL quality starter.
If we don't sign him we would have to replace with either a FA who would be more expensive for comparable skill (and that doesnt even take into account how the FA fits into the locker room ala being a cancer or scheme) or a draft pick that would more than likely not give us similar production on the field.
We are a draft and develop team. If we dont sign the good players with good contracts then we run the risk of being a professional farm team...Spending all the resources on drafting and developing guys only to see them go and use their prime years to help other teams win.
NFLfan
October 19, 2023 at 08:54 am
My intuition is he will regress in motivation after a big payday. Seems to be a trend in GB