FRISCO, Texas – The Broncos and not the Cowboys will land defensive end Randy Gregory, according to multiple reports. The Cowboys announced they re-signed Gregory to a five-year extension earlier on Tuesday, but the deal seemingly fell through as the post was later deleted, sending shockwaves on Twitter.
At the time, Gregory’s deal with the Cowboys was for five years, $70 million with $28 million guaranteed. The news came after the club signed DeMarcus Lawrence to a three-year, $40 million deal with $30 million guaranteed, that reduced his cap hit and freed up space to secure talent around him. However, Gregory and his agent took a harsh U-turn. He will instead sign with the Denver Broncos after the Cowboys insisted on language in the contract that Gregory was not in favor of, a source confirmed to D210SPORTS.
Gregory has played in 50 games over the previous five seasons in Dallas after several violations of the league’s substance abuse policy, resulted in a plethora of suspensions. Dallas selected Gregory in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft and off-field issues and an inward battle with mental health hindered his otherwise ascending career. Gregory missed the majority of the 2016 season (two games played) and all of the 2017 season but recorded six sacks in 14 games during the 2018 season.
He was suspended for the duration of the 2019 season and the first six games of the 2020 season, but despite his struggles, the Cowboys remained loyal to the embattled player. The front office believed in his potential and signed him to a one-year, bargain deal.
Th former Nebraska Cornhusker went through his first full offseason program since his rookie year in 2015 last season and made a career-high 11 starts. He was sidelined due to a calf strain and a bout with COVID-19. Gregory accumulated 19 tackles, a tackle for loss, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception and six sacks in 2021, becoming a cornerstone player in Dan Quinn’s defensive front.
In five games in 2021 – missing the Chargers clash on the Reserve/COVID-19 list – Gregory accumulated 22 pressures, four sacks, five quarterback hits, and 13 hurries for a 19.5%-win rate according to PFF. Opponents were forced to employ running back and tight end chips to his side to try and limit his destruction in the trenches, a testament to his prowess. With rare bend, Gregory has impressive speed to power conversion to fight off blockers and counter with an effective bull rush.
The 29-year-old has 16.5 sacks in 50 games and will now take his services to the Broncos. An error by the Cowboys sends one of the most talented edge rushers elsewhere. Now, Dallas will seek to find answers at right defensive end and will be forced to spend money on players outside the building to bolster the unit.
