Cowboys re-signing Randy Gregory quells concerns about pass rush
By Jerry Trotta
To say the Dallas Cowboys‘ offseason got off to a less-than-promising start would be a comprehensive understatement. Trading Amari Cooper to Cleveland for a fifth-round pick was a questionable piece of business, but the moves that have followed have been … dare we say, encouraging?
It started by extending DeMarcus Lawrence, which gave the front office newfound cap space to throw around. The maneuver saved $13 million in cap space, and the front office, to its credit, has responded by making statement moves.
First up? Re-signing Randy Gregory, who was said to have a plethora of teams interested in his services after a resurgent 2021. His reported market hinted that Dallas would have to pay a premium to keep him around and that is exactly how things played out.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Gregory’s deal is worth $70 million over five years and includes $28 million guaranteed.
Cowboys are re-signing DE Randy Gregory to a five-year, $70 million deal that includes $28 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2022
The Dallas Cowboys have re-signed edge rusher Randy Gregory.
If these numbers are accurate, that means Lawrence’s pay cut directly led to Gregory’s re-signing. That’s a remarkably impressive display of leadership and selflessness from the Cowboys’ two-time Pro Bowler.
While $14 million annually might seem like an overpay for a player who’s never compiled more than six sacks in a season over his career, the $28 million guaranteed is what really matters and Gregory only figures to become more productive after he played a career-high 55% of the snaps last season.
Once viewed as a glaring weakness heading into the offseason, the Cowboys’ pass rush for 2022 is now locked and loaded with Lawrence, Gregory and reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Micah Parsons all returning for Dan Quinn.
