Randy Gregory changes mind, plans to join Denver Broncos over Dallas Cowboys
A deal is not a deal until the ink is dry.
And the Dallas Cowboys got a hard lesson on that on Tuesday.
After seemingly coming to terms with Randy Gregory on a five-year, $70 million that includes, $28 million guaranteed, the Cowboys lost the defensive end when he had a change of heart and took a similar deal with the Denver Broncos.
The Cowboys initially announced the deal on their website and a source confirmed that Gregory had agreed to terms. But talks broke down over contract language that sources say are standard in all Cowboys contracts. The clause gives the club the right to void or withhold money if player is fined by NFL or suspended by the NFL.
The only Cowboys player who doesn’t have the clause in their contract is quarterback Dak Prescott, and sources said that the Cowboys have never invoked the clause for fines.
Gregory balked at the language and decided to join the Broncos, who attached no such clause to their deal.
It’s a huge blow to the Cowboys who lost a pivotal pass rusher after showing a commitment to Gregory through four NFL suspensions.
Gregory, a second-round pick of the Cowboys in 2015, was suspended for 14 games in 2016 for violations of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. He was also suspended for the entire 2017 season, two games in 2018, the entire 2019 campaign and the first six games of 2020 before being reinstated by the NFL.
In 2021, Gregory showed his pass-rushing and play-making promise with a career-high six sacks in 12 games. He also recorded an interception, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 19 tackles, four tackles for a loss and 17 quarterback hits.
The Cowboys, who signed defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to a three-year, $40 million deal on Monday, wanted Gregory back to help solidify pass rush.
Owner Jerry Jones got personally involved in the negotiations after Gregory was initially going to sign with for more money. Jones pointed to the Cowboys support and loyalty and matched the Broncos offer if Gregory would stay in Dallas.
It was a done deal until Gregory and his representatives looked at the language in the final contract. They asked for clause to be removed and the Cowboys refused.
The question is now is where do the Cowboys turn for help at defensive end?
Former Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Von Miller, who grew up in DeSoto and played in college at Texas A&M, might be an option.
Cowboys re-sign safety
The team did retain safety Malik Hooker with a two-year, $8 million deal.
Hooker played in 15 games and started three with the Cowboys last season when he recorded 44 tackles.
He was at his best down the stretch and the Cowboys expect more from Hooker in 2022, as he will be a full season removed from the torn Achilles he sustained in September of 2020, his final season with the Indianapolis Colts.
Hooker was a Colts first-round pick in 2017 and signed with the Cowboys as a free agent last year.
With Hooker’s deal done, the Cowboys will next focus on retaining fellow safety Jayron Kearse.
This story was originally published March 15, 2022 at 10:21 AM.
