The Denver Broncos are trading linebacker Randy Gregory to the San Francisco 49ers, ESPN and NFL Network reported Friday.
The Broncos will send Gregory and a 2024 seventh-round draft pick to the Niners in exchange for a 2024 sixth-rounder.
The Broncos moved on from the veteran pass rusher, with coach Sean Payton saying earlier in the week they would explore trade opportunities before releasing him.
“It was something that we felt was just best for our team right now, timing-wise,” Payton said Wednesday. “It hasn’t been finalized yet because typically before a transaction takes place, there may be some teams interested in a trade. … We felt like with some of our younger players and where we are going, it was best for our team right now.”
Signed to a five-year, $70 million contract prior to the 2022 season, Gregory recorded nine tackles and a sack in four games (three starts) this year for the Broncos. He is slated to make a $14 million base salary this season, with $5 million in 2024 being fully guaranteed.
Nik Bonitto, 24, replaced Gregory as a starter in Denver’s 31-28 victory over the Chicago Bears last Sunday.
Gregory, 30, has totaled 106 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 60 career games (18 starts) with the Dallas Cowboys (2015-21) and Broncos. He was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
–Field Level Media