UPDATE: Randy Gregory has backed out of the deal, signing with the Denver Broncos.
Randy Gregory talked to other teams over the last day but ultimately is staying in Dallas. The pass rusher just agreed to a new five-year, $70 million contract to remain with the Cowboys.
Despite turning 30 in November, Gregory remains an athletically gifted and disruptive presence at defensive end. He had six sacks and three forced fumbles for Dallas in 14 games last year, plus numerous other hits and pressures on opposing quarterbacks.
Though he entered the league in 2015, Gregory’s history with suspensions due to marijuana use cost him entire seasons in 2017 and 2019 plus other games in between. But thanks to the NFL’s drug policy changes in 2020, Randy’s personal life should no longer conflict with his profession.
The Cowboys clearly have confidence in his future, potentially giving him an average of $14 million over the next five years. But with only $28 million of that guaranteed, Dallas has left themselves some leverage in case Gregory were to decline in some way.
One person to thank in this situation is DeMarcus Lawrence. Gregory’s teammate since he arrived in Dallas, Tank agreed to a new contract yesterday that reduced his 2022 cap hit from $27 million to just $14 million.
By reducing his total potential compensation, Lawrence has freed up money for Dallas to re-sign Randy and makes other needed moves on defense at linebacker and safety far easier to accomplish.
The benefit will also be seen come September. Not only does keeping Gregory on the other side of the line make life easier for Lawrence, but it also frees up LB Micah Parsons to focus less on pass rushing and utilize all of his versatile skills on the field.
The best part of the story though is for Randy Gregory the person. He didn’t look seem to be long for the league after his early-career issues, but now he’s finally received his payday and has a secure home with his original team for years to come.
Hopefully this continued relationship between Gregory and the Cowboys produces even greater success in the season ahead.
