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4 potential landing spots for Cowboys DE Randy Gregory in free agency

By Lauren Barash

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 01: Defensive end Randy Gregory #94 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 01, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 01: Defensive end Randy Gregory #94 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 01, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 14: Members of the Seattle Seahawks defense anticipate a play during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 14, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 17-0. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

It’s hard to imagine a Dallas Cowboys roster without Randy Gregory. The defensive end has been with America’s Team since they drafted him in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Nebraska.

Since 2015, Gregory has had a very up and down career. His off-the-field issues kept him from playing in many games. The edge rusher missed the entirety of the 2017 season due to violating the NFL’s Policy for Substances of Abuse. It took a couple of years of setbacks, but Gregory has proven he can be one of the league’s best pass rushers since 2020.

This year, Gregory cleaned up his act. The only things that sidelined him were knee and calf injuries. But despite only playing in 12 games this season, the DE’s impact on a much-improved Cowboys defense was obvious.

This year, Gregory had six sacks, three forced fumbles, 17 QB hits, four tackles for loss, and one interception. He brought an energy and competitiveness that helped fuel the Cowboys’ defense to lead the league in turnovers.

Although some teams may be nervous about his previous off-the-field behavior, if the Cowboys decide not to keep Gregory, there will likely be a long line of teams who want him for his defensive abilities.

PFF predicts that the DE will get roughly $25 million for a two-year contract. Keep in mind that Dallas also has to pay edge defender DeMarcus Lawrence a hefty yearly salary for two more years. Since the Cowboys have the third-worst cap situation in the NFL (currently over $13 million over the cap), money will be a huge factor with their free agents.

If Jerry Jones can’t afford him, here are four teams who may poach Gregory.

4 potential landing spots for Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory in free agency

4. Seattle Seahawks

Remember the days of the Legion of Boom? Seattle once had a defense that was exciting to watch. It’s been a long time since their defense has been as successful. This year, the Seahawks allowed 113.6 rushing yards per game. Adding a seasoned defensive end like Randy Gregory could be a much-needed boost in Seattle.

After a dismal 7-10 season, the Seahawks fired both their defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. and defensive passing game coordinator Andre Curtis. For an organization looking for a fresh start, Gregory would be a huge help to revamp its defense. Gregory feels like the kind of guy who will make other players play better, and Seattle could use that.

The Seahawks ranked 28th in the NFL in total defense (379.1 yards per game) and 31st in pass defense (265.5 per game). While Gregory can’t help in the secondary, his ability to pressure a quarterback and get sacks would be useful to any team.

He is explosive off the line and can help get Seattle off the field quickly to give (hopefully) Russell Wilson and his offense more time to score.

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