How a possible Randy Gregory return impacts the Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboy Randy Gregory is filing for reinstatement. At the same time, a new CBA is being discussed. How would a his possible return impact the team?

Leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft, Nebraska pass rusher Randy Gregory was projected to become a first-round pick. A drop to the second-round occurred after concerns over failing drug tests. More specifically, he was caught using marijuana.

The Dallas Cowboys picked him up, hoping that he would be able to control himself once he made it to the NFL. Gregory has since been suspended a total of four times. With a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in the talks and a filing for reinstatement, how would Gregory’s return impact the Cowboys?

The New CBA

The latest CBA between the NFL and the NFLPA has expired, and now both sides are discussing a new one. According to center Maurkice Pouncey, if one is not signed the league will continue this upcoming season, but the 2021 season may result in a strike.

Many players have expressed either their love or hatred for the proposed deal. Those that hate it are emphasizing how bad playing 17 games would be. Those loving it emphasize the increase in pay.

Another part of the deal would decrease punishments for those that test positive specifically for marijuana. One source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk:

"“… a new CBA also would include dramatically reduced penalties, with suspensions happening only in the event of extreme and repeated disregard of the policy or significant violations of applicable law regarding the possession and use of marijuana.”"

Gregory’s suspensions have been a violation of the substance abuse policy, through the use of marijuana. If the league lightens up about its use, that means that Gregory is more likely to be reinstated, and will not have that much of severe punishment if caught using again.

The problem is he already has a long history of suspensions, so how severe would the “less severe” punishments be if he is caught again? Would getting caught for a fifth-time result in a full-season suspension?

The only way to tell is to wait and see if the situation arises. Let’s hope we don’t get to that point. Let’s hope Gregory either stops using marijuana or at least finds a way to hide it better until it is legalized in the NFL.

Regardless, I would expect him to make a return to the league. When he does return, he will have an opportunity to shine on what is now looking like a thin Cowboys defensive line.