Gary’s arrival in Dallas coincided with a wide-ranging overhaul of the defense.
The Cowboys lured Christian Parker from the rival Philadelphia Eagles to hire him as defensive coordinator. They made another trade for linebacker Dee Winters and filled holes in the secondary by acquiring Jalen Thompson and cornerback Cobie Durant. Dallas used both first-round picks on that side of the ball, selecting safety Caleb Downs and wide receiver Malachi Lawrence.
Along with Downs, Gary is probably the biggest name in the group, but he will have to reverse a difficult trend to reach his maximum goal.
Although Gary had a respectable 12.1% strikeout rate in 2025, he has seen that number drop in each of the last four seasons, from a career-best 19% in 2022 to what is now his lowest ever. His strikeout rate (1.9) also dipped below 2% for the second consecutive year after three consecutive campaigns that topped that mark.
Nevertheless, Gary appears rejuvenated for a new challenge with the Cowboys, which will include trying to snap a two-year playoff drought. If he can emerge as a defensive leader and help guide the team back to contention, legions of Dallas fans will be ready to discuss his legacy.
A week and change before Dallas’ training camp date, the Pro Bowl pass rusher is already talking about doing just that.
“You see what football brings you, you realize you can’t play this game lightly,” Gary said of his message to his new teammates. “The game can never be cheated and I have a lot of faith in it and the football gods. So just understand what football has brought me and how it has changed my life. I owe it all and that’s all I ask of you.”