The edge rusher was a key contributor in 2021. But with the emergence of All-Pro defenders Micah Parosns and Tre’von Diggs, will the Cowboys consider Randy Gregory expendable?
Randy Gregory’s six years in a Dallas Cowboys uniform have featured some major setbacks, but he reminded skeptics in 2021 that when he gets locked in, he’s a capable pass rusher offenses have to plan for.
And entering free agency this offseason, he might just be the most compelling (or perplexing) name about whom Jerry Jones and Co. will be froced to make a decision.
Gregory has yet to play at least 50% of available snaps for the Cowboys over the course of a full season. He’s exceeded 12 games played in a season just once. He played in two games in 2016 and didn’t play at all in 2017 or ’19. With some intriguing edge options available elsewhere on the free agent board, it’s going to be an interesting spring for the Big D front office.
Before the new NFL league year begins on March 16, let’s establish everything you need to know about Randy Gregory.
Randy Gregory’s Contract Details & Career Earnings
All salary figures via Spotrac
2021 salary: $2,100,000
Expired contract: 1 year, $2,100,000
Base salary: $1,920,000
Bonuses/incentives: $280,000
Previous contract: 4 years, $3,814,936 (2015-19)
Career base salary earnings: $5,024,395
Career bonus and incentive earnings: $1,796,601
Total NFL earnings: $6,820,996
Randy Gregory Free Agency Breakdown
Gregoryfound ways to showcase his potential as a productive player in 2021 after the earlier stages of his career were mired in inconsistency and disciplinary issues. He looked renewed playing in a defensive unit that produced All-Pro seasons from linebacker Micah Parsons and cornerback Trevon Diggs, matching his career high for sacks (6) and setting a new personal best for QB hits (17).
But the Boys have to decide whether they believe in this modest momentum enough to pay for Gregory into his 30s.
Parsons’ emergence may be the biggest reason Dallas could permit Gregory to walk away for free. The reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year and First Team All-Pro selection won’t cost the team superstar money for another few seasons, which means Gregory is far from unaffordable.
But that money may be better spent further bolstering the Diggs-led secondary– or taking a shot at a free agent pass rusher whose sheer consistency Gregory isn’t likely to be able to match: Future Hall of Famer and newly-minted Super Bowl champion Von Miller.
Potential Randy Gregory Destinations (In alphabetical order):
- Atlanta Falcons
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Los Angeles Rams
Dallas Cowboys 2022 Salary Cap Space
Numbers updated as of March 3, 2022.
Active Contracts: $231,235,067
Dead Cap: $7,026,133
Total salary cap usage: $238,261,200
Salary cap space: $-26,099,940
Click here to see the full list of Cowboys free agents for the 2022 offseason.
Gregory’s Milestones and Accomplishments
Age: 29
NFL Draft: 2015, Round 2, No. 60 overall
Career sacks: 16.5
Career combined tackles: 85
Career forced fumbles: 7