The Green Bay Packers’ pass rush has no excuse but to deliver good results in 2025. They are entering the second year under a new defensive system. They could feature a starting defensive line made up of four former first-round picks, including Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark, who earn top-of-the-market money.
Last year, Green Bay ranked 27th in pass rush win rate. Although the team recorded 45 sacks, 20 of those came in just three games. Given the significant investments Brian Gutekunst made in the defensive trenches, the season was a disappointment for the pass rush unit.
Considering that investment and despite a down season in 2024, the expectations from both the team and fans must be for a vast improvement in 2025. PackersTalk.com's Joseph Vanadia believes one Packers pass rusher, in particular, has a lot to prove this year.
"The first of 3 Green Bay Packers with the most to prove in 2025 is pass rusher Rashan Gary. In 2026, Gary will be entering his age 29 season, and the Packers can save almost $11 million with a pre-June 1st release, or $19.5 million with a post-June 1st release. He is clearly an important player for Green Bay as their best pass rusher, but had a relatively quiet 2024 season," Vanadia wrote.
"His PFF pass-rush grade has declined in each of the last three seasons, with an ACL tear playing no small part. He was in the middle of a career year when he suffered the devastating injury, ranking 11th in the NFL in pass rush win rate in 2022," he added. "He fell to 21st in the league in 2023 and then plummeted to 48th last year, his lowest rank since his rookie year.
Vanadia also pointed out that Gary became a much better run stopper since Jeff Hafley took over as defensive coordinator. Last year, Gary ranked as ESPN’s top edge rusher in run stop win rate.
"It is worth noting he has become a much more solid run defender since defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley took over, which matters," he wrote. "He had career highs in run stops (33) and tackles (31) last season, and his lowest missed tackle percentage (8.7%) of the last three seasons. If the 2025 Green Bay Packers pass rush has any hopes of improvement it hinges on Rashan Gary."
Much like the rest of the defensive line, Gary had a down year in 2024. While he led the team in total pressures, he ranked just 31st among qualified edge rushers. Still, the Packers are paying him $96 million, and it would greatly benefit the team if Gary, already a proven reliable starter, takes the next step into becoming a superstar and game-wrecker.
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