NFL insiders reveal why Cowboys lost Randy Gregory

The Dallas Cowboys appeared to agree on a new contract with Randy Gregory early Tuesday morning, but hours later he ended up with the Denver Broncos. ESPN’s Ed Werder revealed that language “standard” to the organization, but not commonly found elsewhere, led to the change of plans.

“Source says the salary forfeiture language Cowboys include in player contracts that led Randy Gregory to abruptly sign with Broncos is standard to them but not commonly used by other teams,” Werder tweeted Tuesday as information continued to come out.

According to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, the exact clause provides the Cowboys the ability to “void or withhold money if player is fined by NFL.” As someone who has faced league punishment on multiple occasions throughout his career, Gregory opted against signing the contract.

Moore also revealed in his report that only one Cowboys players does not have that clause in their current contract: Dak Prescott. His sources also said the team has never invoked the clause.

Cowboys interested in Von Miller

Randy Gregory sent the Dallas Cowboys through a whirlwind of emotions on Tuesday, originally agreeing to a five-year contract extension before deciding to sign with the Denver Broncos. Dallas will now be looking for a replacement pass rusher to put on the other side of Demarcus Lawrence.

According to Jane Slater of the NFL Network, former Denver player and recent Super Bowl champion Von Miller has “very strong interest” in becoming that replacement. After being traded to the Los Angeles Rams during the 2021 season, Miller is a free agent and the Cowboys could be appealing.

“Whiff on Randy Gregory but I’m told there is a very strong interest on Von Miller’s part in coming to Dallas,” Slater said. “Got a home very close to the facility.”

Miller is a native of the Dallas area, going to DeSoto High School — about 35 minutes southeast for AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The defensive also attended Texas A&M, playing for the Aggies over four years before being drafted with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

Slater went on to explain why the Cowboys are interested in Miller, besides him being one of the top pass rushers in the league and attempting to replace Gregory. She said some of the pressure could be taken off the Dallas offense thanks to how star-studded the defense would look.

“Why should the Cowboys pursue Von Miller?,” Slater said. “They could have the monster defense that can rush the passer in all situations and take the pressure off of Dak Prescott. For Von? Home outside of Dallas, no state income tax, Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Stay tuned.”