The Dallas Cowboys thought they had a deal done with Randy Gregory that would have kept the pass-rusher with Dallas, but Gregory chose to sign with the Denver Broncos instead.
Now we are learning more about the circumstances that led to Gregory’s departure.
Gregory’s agent Peter Schaffer spoke with Pro Football Talk on Tuesday to give their side of the story.
According to Schaffer, Gregory was close to a deal with the Broncos on Monday night. But the Cowboys jumped in and increased their offer to match Denver’s. Jerry Jones even got involved in the negotiations, making a personal pitch to Gregory to remain with the team.
At that point, Gregory was ready to stay with Dallas, but then something changed.
According to Schaffer, the Cowboys tried to slip in some language in the increased contract offer that Gregory did not like. Gregory’s agent says the language was not present in previous contract offers presented by Dallas.
The language would have allowed the Cowboys to void Gregory’s guarantees in the event of a fine. Teams often void guarantees in the event of a suspension, but Dallas applies this to fines as well.
Schaffer inquired with Dallas about the language and was told that it is standard for their deals. However, Schaffer found out that Dak Prescott does not have such language in his deal. So, Schaffer asked Dallas to remove the language. The Cowboys declined to do so.
Whether or not Dallas was trying to pull a fast one by adding in the guarantee-voiding language, the entire situation upset Gregory and helps explain why he chose to sign with Denver.
The Cowboys may have a backup plan in mind now after losing Gregory to the Broncos.
Photo: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
