The Green Bay Packers are evaluating Rashan Gary's future as he approaches a crucial contract year in 2026. After a disappointing 2024 season marred by injury, Gary's performance as the team's leading pass rusher is under scrutiny. While he saw an increase in his run defense metrics, his pass-rush grade dwindled significantly, raising concerns about his $28 million cap hit for 2026. The Packers could save substantial cap space by releasing him, making this season pivotal for Gary's career in Green Bay.

Entering his age 29 season, Gary's prospects hinge on a potential bounce-back performance in head coach Jeff Hafley's defensive scheme. His past peak performances came alongside strong co-defenders, which have since dwindled. The Packers hope for not only Gary's resurgence but also for improvement from his supporting cast, especially Lukas Van Ness. For Gary, the stakes could not be higher; a solid season may lead to an extension that adjusts his cap hit, while a lackluster performance could mark the end of his tenure with the franchise.

In a significant shift under GM Brian Gutekunst, the Green Bay Packers aggressively pursued free agents to bolster their defense. Notable acquisitions include safety Adrian Amos and pass-rushers Preston and Za'Darius Smith. The emergence of Rashan Gary as the leading sack artist hints at a strong defensive unit, which ranked fifth overall in 2024, registering 45 sacks and significantly improving its run defense.

New defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has fostered a culture of turnovers, elevating the Packers to fourth in the league with 31 takeaways. However, inconsistencies linger. Analysts propose that adding seasoned edge rusher Khalil Mack could further strengthen their pass rush alongside Gary, as Mack's recent performance with the Chargers still displays his elite capabilities.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton made a significant impact in a playoff-clinching game against the Kansas City Chiefs, completing the game with five receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown. The performance allowed Sutton to trigger a $500,000 bonus by surpassing 1,065 receiving yards for the season, finishing with a total of 1,081 yards. Despite the Chiefs resting key players, Sutton emphasized the importance of winning, stating, 'We have to win this game.' The Broncos will face the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs next.

In other league news, several players capitalized on contract incentives in their final games. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith earned $6 million in escalators, while Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller secured an additional $1.5 million after reaching six sacks. New York Jets guard John Simpson earned $3 million for playing over 90% of offensive snaps, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans tied a record for consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.

The NFL has unveiled the rosters for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, showcasing talent from 28 of the league's 32 teams. The Baltimore Ravens topped the list with nine selections, followed closely by the Detroit Lions with seven. Other notable teams include the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Kansas City Chiefs, each contributing multiple players. However, the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans were left out entirely, although replacements may still emerge from these squads.

Set to take place in Orlando on February 2, the Pro Bowl will feature a skills competition and a flag football game, coached by NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. Among the surprising omissions is Lions safety Kerby Joseph, who led the league in interceptions yet failed to secure a spot despite high fan voting. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will also miss the event, marking a first in his career as a starter.

In a disappointing performance, New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler struggled to lead his team, resulting in a 34-0 shutout loss to the Green Bay Packers. This marked the Saints' first shutout of the season and their first since November 2022.

Rattler, who filled in for the injured Derek Carr, completed 15 of 30 passes for 153 yards, with one interception and a fumble. Despite showing promise in a previous game, he faced a depleted roster and a strong Packers defense.