Welcome to the NFL, where one team’s trash is another team’s treasure. Earlier in the week, we reported on the Denver Broncos’ intent to release Randy Gregory, just a year after signing the edge rusher to a five-year, $70 million contract. Well, the Broncos never actually processed the transaction and waited to see if they could get a trade offer for the veteran sack artist instead.
They finally found a partner when the San Francisco 49ers offered a 2024 sixth-round pick for Gregory, plus a 2024 seventh-round selection on Friday afternoon. Since the Broncos were ready to cut bait anyway, they happily accepted likely the best offer they received.
Gregory has already been paid over $27 million in contract guarantees. Yet, the Broncos are also paying the entirety of the remaining $14 million prorated salary Gregory is set to receive for the rest of this season as part of the trade agreement.
After entering the league as the 60th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft with the Dallas Cowboys, Gregory spent the first five seasons of his career with ‘America’s Team.’ He then inked a lucrative contract with the Broncos during the 2022 offseason but has played in just ten games since.
Gregory has amassed 19.5 sacks in his career but has never tallied more than six in a single season. The 49ers are hoping that by joining one of the best defensive lines in football, Gregory can have more luck getting after QBs. With reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa commanding most of the attention in the Bay Area, Gregory should have room to roam.