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

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.

3. New York Jets

It’s hard to imagine that any player would want to get signed by the Jets. But if this team can offer Gregory the money he deserves, he may want to head to the Big Apple anyway. Plus, the Jets have a history of throwing money at players who they think can finally make an impact on this struggling defense.

Last year, they signed Carl Lawson to a three-year, $45 million deal in hopes that he could be the first great pass rusher for the Jets in years. But, as per usual, nothing seems to go right for the Jets. Lawson had a season-ending injury in a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers in the preseason. He has yet to play a single game for New York.

Imagine a healthy Lawson and Gregory both rushing the passer and closing the pocket for the Jets. The Jets ranked dead last in the NFL in points allowed this season with 504. If they can get two guys to pressure the quarterback, cause fumbles, and get tackles for loss, Jets fans may feel some sense of relief.

Luckily for the Jets, they have a ton of cap room. With Zach Wilson giving the franchise a small amount of offensive hope on a rookie contract, the Jets may choose to use their saved money on more defensive threats after splurging on Corey Davis last offseason.

This team needs a lot more help than just one player can add, but signing Gregory could be a good start.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars had quite the year. What started as excitement about a new head coach and new quarterback quickly turned into chaos. Urban Meyer was fired before the end of the regular season and they ended the year 3-14. However, that third win came in the form of sending the Indianapolis Colts (a very talented team) home early without a chance in the playoffs.

Maybe that is the momentum they need to start a turnaround year for 2022? The Jaguars’ defense ranked in the bottom 10 in almost every major defensive stat category this year – total points, points per game, rushing yards per game, etc.

The Jaguars have a lot of money to spend and spending it on a solid pass rusher to help spark their defense and make a splash in the 2022 season is a smart idea — and what’s a more obvious splash than someone who can rack up sacks at an expensive price tag?

Plus, it’s not all foolish. There’s no telling how much of an impact another good edge rusher can have on the game if the Jags pair Gregory with Josh Allen.

The Jags already have strong defensive talent in Allen and Myles Jack. Allen had an impressive eight sacks and 47 solo tackles. Linebacker Jack had 108 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, and two QB hits. Adding a veteran like Gregory to the defensive front could be a huge advantage for the Jaguars.

Unlike the Jets, this organization has sniffed winning in recent years — the AFC Championship in New England was winter 2018! The players want the change, the culture (without Meyer, surely) is positive, and they’re ready to make it happen.

1. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have proved they are ready to make a statement in the NFL with a strong season and a huge Wild Card win over the New England Patriots. The Bills have a stellar, young QB in Josh Allen and their defense has had an impressive year overall.

So, why add Gregory? The possibility that he could be a replacement for defensive end Jerry Hughes. Hughes, who is the longest-tenured player on the team, becomes a free agent in March as well. The 34-year-old has admitted in interviews that there is a possibility he leaves the team after this season.

Although Hughes will have a much lower price tag than Gregory will, it might be worth it for the Bills to spend the money on someone who will have more longevity and is a proven edge rusher.

While the Bills aren’t out of it this year, if they don’t end up winning the Lombardi Trophy, making sure they have a seasoned defensive end starter in their lineup next year will be crucial to them continuing their excellence in the AFC. In a conference full of young, spry quarterbacks, the Bills could use a guy like Gregory who is known for his QB pressure and ability to get sacks and cause fumbles.

This all likely depends on what Hughes decides to do and if the Cowboys make Gregory a priority with their difficult cap space situation.

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