The Denver Broncos were reportedly planning to release veteran pass rusher Randy Gregory unless a suitable trade partner arose at the last minute
The San Francisco 49ers agreed to send a 2024 sixth-round pick to Denver in exchange for Gregory and a 2024 seventh-round pick, according to CBS Sports Lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones.
The 30-year-old outside linebacker inked a five-year, $70 million contract with the Broncos during the 2022 offseason, something general manager George Paton
is likely to regret. Gregory had 21 total stops, three sacks, and two forced fumbles in 10 games with Denver.
According to ESPN, the Broncos will pay Gregory almost $10 million for the rest of the 2023 season. The 49ers will foot the bill.
Gregory has 106 total tackles and 19.5 sacks in 60 career NFL games. Now, the former Dallas Cowboys second-round pick has a change of scenery – and it's a very good one.
Gregory will join a pass-rush rotation that includes Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, Clelin Ferrell, and Drake Jackson. The 49ers boast one of
the league's top defenses, allowing 14.5 points per game through four weeks. That ranks tied for third in the NFL.
On the one hand, the Broncos received a sixth-round pick in exchange for a seventh-round pick for a player they were about to release.
However, this transaction is really about money. It's difficult to deny that Denver made a mistake with this initial signing.