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Report: Broncos Cut OLB Randy Gregory After Week 4 Demotion

Gregory inked a five-year, $70 million deal in 2022.

Zack Kelberman

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The Denver Broncos' defense is finally being held to account for the team's disappointing 1-3 start.

As ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported, the Broncos on Wednesday released starting outside linebacker Randy Gregory, whom the team purportedly tried (and failed) to trade following its Week 4 victory at Chicago.

According to 9NEWS' Mike Klis, Gregory's departure was mutually agreed upon.

"Per source, in light of Randy Gregory having his playing time reduced and not starting he realized it wasn’t a good fit here," reported Klis. "New staff likes young talent. He asked for release yesterday. Sean Payton slept on it and decided best for all to let veteran go."

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Defecting from the Cowboys, Gregory inked a five-year, $70 million contract in March of 2022 — one of general manager George Paton's biggest free-agent splurges — that included $28 million fully guaranteed. His production, however, never came close to matching his salary. 

Gregory, 30, made just six appearances last season as a knee issue landed him on injured reserve and required surgery. This year, he played in all four games to date but was largely ineffective under new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who supplanted Gregory with sophomore OLB Nik Bonitto in Sunday's win over the Bears.

Gregory ends his Denver tenure with 21 combined tackles (11 solo), nine quarterback hits, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pass deflection. He's currently ranked as Pro Football Focus' No. 104 EDGE among 111 qualifiers.

Gregory's release indicates that OLB Baron Browning will be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list and likely start opposite Jonathon Cooper. The club is also expected to get back veteran pass-rusher Frank Clark, who hasn't played since Week 1 due to a hip injury.

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Zack Kelberman
ZACK KELBERMAN

Zack Kelberman is the Senior Editor for Mile High Huddle. He has covered the NFL for more than a decade and the Denver Broncos since 2016. He's also the co-host of the wildly popular Broncos show the Mile High Huddle Podcast.

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