Packers make key decision on fifth-year option for linebacker Rashan Gary

Linebacker Rashan Gary was the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. The time has come for teams to decide on fifth-year options for their 2019 draft picks, and the Packers came to a decision on Gary on Friday.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Packers have picked up Gary’s fifth-year option.

“The Packers have picked up the fifth-year option on LB Rashan Gary, per source,” Fowler tweeted. “Locks him into a 2023 salary of between $10.9M and $11.7M, depending on playing time. Gary had a big season for Packers last year.”

Gary starred at Michigan from 2016-2018, totaling 119 tackles with 23 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his collegiate career. He did not start as a rookie with the Packers, instead playing a reserve role with 21 tackles and two sacks in 16 games. He upped his production to 35 tackles with five tackles for loss and five sacks in 2020, also adding 11 quarterback hits. Last season, Gary turned into a full-time starter for the Packers, totaling 47 tackles with eight tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and 28 quarterback hits in 16 games.

The Packers added multiple defenders in the draft to help Gary

The 2022 NFL Draft is officially underway, and the Packers held two picks in the first round on Thursday night. Both of Green Bay’s selections were used on defensive players, and both came from the Georgia Bulldogs. First, the Packers selected linebacker Quay Walker with the No. 22 overall pick. Then, Green Bay added interior defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt with the No. 28 overall pick.

Both Walker and Wyatt should make immediate impacts on the Packers defense. The two former Georgia stars should also help provide more stability to the defense alongside Gary, something that Green Bay will undoubtedly be excited about.

The Packers went 13-4 in last year’s regular season, losing in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs to the San Francisco 49ers.