In a surprising turn of events, Randy Gregory’s departure from the Denver Broncos took an unexpected twist this week. The Broncos have traded the talented pass rusher, along with a 2024 seventh-round pick, to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick. This trade was confirmed by NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, citing a reliable source.
Shanahan Confirms the Trade of Randy Gregory
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan wasted no time confirming the trade on Friday afternoon. He also provided an update on Gregory’s status, revealing that the player had passed his physical in San Francisco. However, Gregory won’t be available to hit the field until after Week 5 of the NFL season.
Randy Gregory ‘s Rocky Road in Denver
The trade to San Francisco comes after a series of events that had Gregory’s exit from Denver looking almost inevitable. The 30-year-old pass rusher had signed a lucrative five-year, $70 million contract with the Broncos just ahead of the 2022 season. However, his performance had left much to be desired, with only three sacks in 10 games played with the Broncos. In the past two weeks, Gregory’s playing time had significantly decreased, culminating in his removal from the starting lineup during Denver’s Week 4 victory over the Chicago Bears.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton had earlier explained that the decision to part ways with Gregory was made in the best interests of the team. If a trade partner had not emerged within the next two days, the veteran’s release would have become official.
San Francisco Seizes the Opportunity
San Francisco acted swiftly upon hearing about the possibility of acquiring Gregory. With only nine sacks generated by their defense thus far in the 2023 season, ranking them 22nd in the NFL, the addition of Gregory is expected to bolster their pass rush significantly. This improvement is crucial for a defense that has been allowing an average of 284.3 yards per game, ranking fifth in the NFL, and a mere 14.5 points per game, ranking third. Furthermore, the added pressure generated by Gregory’s presence may also free up star pass rusher Nick Bosa, who has only managed one sack through four games this season.
A Fresh Start for Randy Gregory
For Randy Gregory, joining a top-five defense like San Francisco’s could be the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate his career. A second-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2015, Gregory has faced his fair share of challenges in the NFL, including injuries and suspensions. However, his impressive 15.5 sacks over his final three seasons in Dallas made him one of the top free-agent pass rushers in the 2022 offseason, leading to the Broncos’ high expectations.
Although he may not have lived up to those expectations in Denver, Gregory’s fresh start in San Francisco could be exactly what he needs to reignite his career and make a significant impact on the 49ers’ defense. As both teams look ahead to the remainder of the season, this unexpected trade has certainly shaken up the NFL landscape.
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