Randy Gregory flips on Dallas Cowboys after agreeing to contract, to hitch Denver Broncos as an alternative

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — In a shocking, and public, reversal of free company fortune, the Denver Broncos have agreed to phrases with free agent outdoors linebacker Randy Gregory.

The Dallas Cowboys had introduced on the group’s social media accounts Tuesday morning Gregory had agreed to a deal to return to the group, however a number of groups sources confirmed Gregory had as an alternative agreed to a cope with the Broncos. The deal is identical in fundamental building — 5 years, $70 million with $28 million in ensures, largely coming within the first two years of the deal.

The Broncos had executed intensive due diligence on Gregory’s previous suspensions earlier than free company opened and the group’s personnel division had graded Gregory as one of many high edge rushers out there in free company. The group had negotiated all through Monday with Gregory’s representatives in hopes of a deal.

Gregory joins Bradley Chubb because the beginning outdoors linebackers within the Broncos’ 3-Four protection. The Broncos are hopeful the 29-year-old Gregory can proceed his profession resurgence.

Dues to a wide range of accidents and suspensions, Gregory has by no means began greater than 11 video games in a season and by no means completed with greater than six sacks.

His stunning change of coronary heart is not the primary time the Broncos have lured a free agent who gave the impression to be headed elsewhere late within the course of. In 2014 they completed the phrases on a cope with large receiver Emmanuel Sanders‘ representatives whereas Sanders was within the Kansas City Chiefs‘ advanced on a go to.

That was additionally the identical 12 months the Broncos signed DeMarcus Ware, who had been launched by the Cowboys. Like Ware, Gregory additionally wore No. 94 with the Cowboys.

Gregory’s signing and the commerce for quarterback Russell Wilson give the Broncos two of essentially the most impactful strikes within the league during the last two weeks.

After lacking two full seasons and 14 video games in one other season due to suspensions for a number of violations of the substance abuse coverage, Gregory had change into one of many Cowboys’ finest pass-rushers and was added to the gamers’ management council by head coach Mike McCarthy in 2021.

Gregory made a career-high 11 begins final season, lacking time due to a calf pressure and COVID-19. He had 19 tackles, a deal with for loss, three pressured fumbles, a fumble restoration and an interception, whereas matching his profession excessive with six sacks.

The Cowboys chosen Gregory within the second spherical of the 2015 draft after off-field points damage his standing. And after lacking a lot of the 2016 season and all of 2017, Gregory put up a career-high six sacks in 14 video games throughout the 2018 season, lacking two video games for damage.

He was suspended for the total season in 2019 and the primary six video games of the 2020 season, however the Cowboys remained loyal to Gregory via his troubles — signing him to a one-year extension.

For his profession, Gregory has 16.5 sacks in 50 video games.

ESPN’s Todd Archer contributed to this report.