2 Cowboys moves from the 2022 offseason that look disastrous (and 1 that looks genius)

1. Randy Gregory backing out of deal

Randy Gregory was a big part of Dallas’ revamped defense during the 2021 season. He finished the year with 19 tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles, 43 pressures, 25 hurries, and one interception in 12 games.

For obvious reasons, Dallas wanted to re-sign the veteran DE during the 2022 offseason. But it turns out the better move was to let Gregory walk and use that money elsewhere in free agency.

Gregory agreed to a five-year, $70 deal with the Cowboys before the veteran backed out because Dallas “doubled back to make change that wasn’t palatable to Gregory’s camp.” He then signed the exact same deal with Denver moments later.

When it happened, all Cowboys fans were extremely confused and frustrated. Why did Gregory back out of Dallas’ deal? However, it all worked out in the end.

Gregory battled through a knee injury last year and played in just six games in 2022. In those games, he had just 12 tackles (two for loss), and two sacks. This year, the veteran has one sack and six tackles through two games.

The former Cowboys defensive end is certainly talented. But his departure allowed Dallas to re-sign Dorance Armstrong, and sign Dante Fowler Jr. -- among other key players that offseason. In 2022, Armstrong (eight sacks) and Fowler (six sacks) turned out to be key contributors on defense.

Gregory’s backing out of his deal with the Cowboys wasn’t so much a front-office move. But where that money went was definitely the right move for Dallas long term.

Decision: Genius

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