The Denver Broncos have made a decision to move on from veteran pass rusher Randy Gregory. The franchise is still hoping they can find a trade partner for the 30-year-old player, but is ready to release him if there is no deal to be made.
Multiple media outlets reported on Wednesday morning that Gregory will be released by the Broncos. However, head coach Sean Payton told the reporters later in the day that the release hasn’t been finalized yet because “there might be some teams interested in a trade.”
Whether Gregory ends up released or traded, one thing is sure: his time with the Broncos has come to an end. He will leave the franchise less than two years into a five-year, $70 million contract he signed during the 2022 offseason.
Gregory was limited to six games last season due to a knee injury and finished the campaign with 12 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. He started the first three games of the 2023 season before being benched ahead of the Week 4 game against the Chicago Bears.
The Broncos are likely moving on from Gregory due to the emergence of second-year outside linebacker Nik Bonitto. Starting instead of Gregory against the Bears, Bonitto had 2.5 sacks while also forcing a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.
