Cowboys need Randy Gregory to be a factor in 2018

Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory is filing for reinstatement into the NFL. If it’s granted, he might add some quality depth to Dallas’ defensive line.

Should the league reinstate Gregory, and what can we expect his production for the Cowboys to be? Since, the NFL is well known for giving multiple chances to players who violate their drug program, that question can only be answered by Gregory. Like Josh Gordon, he needs to show the league he’s kicked the habit that got him suspended.

The second question comes down to what you believe the layoff will do to Gregory. Gordon is coming off a two-year suspension. If he stays out of trouble and plays all 16 games, it will be his first full season since 2013. That said, he’s expected to be a key piece in the rebuilding of the Browns and the development of Baker Mayfield.

The last time Gregory played a game was on New Year’s Day in 2017. So, it may be too long a layoff to expect much. However, looking back at his production as rookie, he could earn a spot in the rotation and maybe significant playing time, if he can return to that level.

Gregory didn’t record a sack as a rookie. However, according to Pro Football Focus Elite, he was able to provide Dallas with pressure on 11.3 percent of his snaps (21 total pressures). If he can duplicate that, the Cowboys will be in business on the defensive side of the ball.

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The Cowboys do have some decent depth at defensive end. However, it is young and inexperienced depth, and Gregory has already proven he can play in the league. The truth is, if someone can show that he’s turned his life around, he deserves another chance to play. It’s all about what he shows the league in terms of his habits and behavior, and what he shows the Cowboys in camp. If he balls out, there’s no telling what this defense would be capable of.