Coming off a mixed 2021-2022 season, what are the potential landing spots for Dallas Cowboys pass rusher Randy Gregory this offseason? With Gregory continuing to flash in stretches, what does his potential 2022 free-agency market look like, and what teams might be in the picture?
Randy Gregory landing spots
It has been a somewhat mixed 2021 season for Gregory. He spent some time on the injured reserve in the middle of the season, meaning he has yet to play 16 games in any season for his career. However, his 6 sacks and 17 QB hits are the best of his career. He has also forced 3 fumbles and pulled in his first career interception.
Gregory is an intriguing player this offseason because of his diverse ability when it comes to scheme. The Cowboys’ pass rusher has played as both a down lineman and standing up in the linebacker role in his career — finding success in both styles. That will make him intriguing around the league to several coaches.
Historical concerns over his reliability could also hamper Gregory’s market in free agency. He missed all but two games of the 2016 season and then all of 2017 due to suspension. Gregory would then play in 2018, where he reminded everyone of his talent before being suspended for the 2019 season. He returned during the 2020 season, and in 21 games since returning, has 9.5 sacks and 29 QB hits.
After missing a total of 30 games in his career due to suspension, it is tough to know what kind of contract Gregory could get. Last offseason, he signed a one-year, $1.045 million contract with the Cowboys. However, he’ll hope to receive a multi-year deal worth considerably more than that after three impressive seasons since 2018. His ability to play in different schemes will help, but where are Gregory’s potential landing spots this season?
A return to the Cowboys offers pros and cons for Gregory
It is a tough call as to whether Gregory should remain in Dallas this offseason. In Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas has their stars, and Gregory is essentially agreeing to be a rotational piece if he remains. Yet, it has been Dallas where Gregory has found his success in the last couple of years. And as a franchise, they have stood by him through his struggles.
Still, there could be the case of a fresh location being ideal for Gregory. Putting Dallas in his rearview mirror could help to reduce any chances of his old struggles reoccurring. Additionally, with another defensive coordinator potentially set to leave this offseason, Gregory could decide he would rather go and learn a new scheme elsewhere than start over again in Dallas.
The Atlanta Falcons desperately need a star pass rusher
It looks as though Dante Fowler’s time in Atlanta has run its course, and that leaves a gaping hole for a pass-rush leader in Atlanta. The Falcons’ defensive formation can switch between 4-3 and 3-4 when needed, and Gregory would give them that flexibility. He could line out wide as a lineman or rush the passer as a linebacker.
Another reason this works as a potential landing spot for Gregory is the Falcons’ potentially limited cap space. Gregory’s past issues may keep his value under control. The Falcons could then get themselves a leading pass rusher for significantly less than they might have to pay elsewhere.
Gregory would make the Cleveland Browns’ pass rush a feared unit
Just imagine coming to the line of scrimmage and seeing Gregory and Myles Garrett staring you down. That is what QBs might have to contemplate if Gregory were to sign with the Cleveland Browns this offseason.
On this talented defense, Gregory would have the ability to be an X-factor with the opposing offense focusing their attention on Garrett. Moreover, Gregory could be the pass-rushing piece that the Browns have been searching for opposite Garrett.
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In Olivier Vernon and Jadeveon Clowney, they have found short-term solutions. But Gregory could be a fixture for the next couple of seasons.
A lot will depend on the market that develops, but the Browns have the cap space to invest in another premier pass rusher who should come at a reasonable discount.
The Rams could be in the market for a cost-controlled pass rusher
The Rams traded for Von Miller as a one-year rental midseason. After a slow start, Miller has 3 sacks in his last three games but is again set to be a free agent this offseason.
The Rams have some salary cap concerns that could stop them splashing for a big-money pass rusher (or even retaining Miller). Consequently, they’d need to judge whether Terrell Lewis, Justin Hollins, or Chris Garrett are players they can trust to be starters next season.
If they do not believe the replacement for Miller is on the roster, that is where Gregory comes in.
He would provide that cost-controlled pass rusher who could line up in multiple formations for the Rams. When the Rams sit in their base 3-4 formation, Gregory can drop into the linebacker role. In their nickel defense, he could be on the line alongside Aaron Donald. His versatility could be handy for the Rams.
Gregory could go and be the veteran pass rusher for the New York Giants
In Azeez Ojulari and Quincy Roche, the Giants have two young talented pass rushers to be excited about. But they do not have that veteran leader to command the defense. That is where Gregory could come in if the team feels comfortable with him in that role. Gregory would provide the veteran presence for the two young pass rushers to rotate around.
With Joe Judge being a Bill Belichick disciple, it would be a surprise if he shies away from a project on a talented player with trouble in his past. Judge is expected to be fighting for his head coaching career in 2022. Adding an X-factor like Gregory could be key. Additionally, the Giants would love to poach a player the Cowboys have developed and turn him into a star under the bright lights of New York.
