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- The Cowboys appeared to have re-signed DE Randy Gregory, keeping him in Dallas for the foreseeable future.
- Gregory swiftly changed his mind and signed with the Broncos, leaving his former team as the butt of social media jokes.
- Read more NFL news here
The Dallas Cowboys were riding high this morning with the news that star defensive lineman Randy Gregory was planning on re-signing with the organization.
In 12 games with the Cowboys last season, the pass rusher recorded 19 tackles and six sacks, tying a career best. He also tallied an interception and forced three fumbles in what was his most impressive campaign to date.
Gregory has been in Dallas since the 2015 season, when the team drafted him with a second-round selection. This after leading the Big Ten in sacks as a junior at Nebraska.
The Cowboys were eager to bring the talented defender back to the Lone Star State, and it seemed like a done deal with reports of an agreement hitting social media this morning. Even the Cowboys, themselves, posted an announcement on Twitter of the alleged re-signing.
Unfortunately, those reports were a bit premature.
The #Cowboys officially tweeted out the Randy Gregory deal, saying he's "Staying in Dallas!"
Now deleted, because… he's actually going to Denver. pic.twitter.com/HSzsxe6zzg
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 15, 2022
In an unexpected turn of events, Gregory changed his mind on his terms with Dallas, instead opting to sign with the Broncos.
The deal is apparently structured exactly the same as his offer with the Cowboys.
Same deal for Randy Gregory with the #Broncos as he was to sign with the #Cowboys, source says. Five years, $70 million. https://t.co/GhyC2hAQBX
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2022
Apparently, the Cowboys wanted to put some extra language in the contract after the two sides had come to an agreement. That language may have had to do with drug test failures, an issue Gregory was popped for upon entering the league.
.@RapSheet joined @PatMcAfeeShow to break down what happened with Randy Gregory and the Cowboys today πpic.twitter.com/nGn1BvMy3J
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) March 15, 2022
Gregory fooled everyone, pulling the rug out from under the Cowboys at the last possible second. As they say, nothing is done until pen meets paper.
Social media was quick to jab at the Cowboys for making the announcement before having the deal in place.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) March 15, 2022
Cowboys: ππ'π«π agreed to a deal with Randy Gregory
Randy Gregory: pic.twitter.com/HtIlciTNMz
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) March 15, 2022
Less than an hour ago, the Cowboys twitter account tweeted that they had resigned Randy Gregory.
Turns out he was signing with the Broncos instead π pic.twitter.com/Qy22VbbXZU
— Pickswise (@Pickswise) March 15, 2022
"Cowboys have agreed to terms with Randy Gregory"
Randy Gregory: pic.twitter.com/42BVUsQ3hS
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) March 15, 2022
And⦠there we go. Randy Gregory done to the #Broncos. Our first free agency plot twist. https://t.co/pNvCAYFHPM
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2022
Jerry Jones after Randy Gregory picked the Broncos over the Cowboys pic.twitter.com/KKVxYRKrgs
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) March 15, 2022
After initial reports indicated Randy Gregory would return to the Cowboys, he has instead decided to sign with the BRONCOS, per @MikeGarafolo pic.twitter.com/LBurzXZRbI
— NFL on CBS π (@NFLonCBS) March 15, 2022