It can't be. It's not fair. Who let this happen?! The San Francisco 49ers completed a trade for Broncos pass-rusher Randy Gregory on Friday, and we still can't figure out which is more laughable.
That the 49ers have a RIDICULOUSLY stacked defense with talented playmakers at every level, or that the Broncos fumbled so badly giving Gregory a $70 million extension in 2022.
The 49ers acquired the 31-year-old pass-rusher for just pennies on the dollar (and zero financial risk!): they sent a 2024 sixth-rounder in return for Gregory and a 2024 seventh-rounder. Just like the Chase Claypool and J.C. Jackson trades, but somehow, this one feels so unfair.
Gregory recorded his most productive seasons in Dallas, recording two six-sack campaigns in 2018 and 2021. Due to injuries and policy violations, he never grew into a reliable starter with the Cowboys, and despite signing a five-year extension with Denver in 2022, he was going to be released by the Broncos earlier this month.
Instead, the Broncos got a sixth-rounder out of him in a trade with the 49ers. Good for them. Now, they can watch the NFC burn starting this Sunday when Gregory and his new defense takes on his former team, the Cowboys.
First CMC last year, and now Gregory? John Lynch is giving Howie Roseman a run for his money.
Here are the fan reactions.
The End is Near: 49ers assemble Doomsday Defense with pass-rushing acquisition Randy Gregory
Randy Gregory, nick bosa, javon hargrave, arik armstead ā¦ pick your poison is back pic.twitter.com/6l8ifOPQss
ā CBASS (@seeaabass) October 6, 2023
The 49ers are paying Randy Gregory only $840,000 guaranteed and they have 4 seasons over team control now ā through 2026.
ā David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 6, 2023
This is a flier trade and that's value.
If Gregory plays well alongside Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave under Kris Kocurek, the 49ers will have some realā¦
The 49ers just had to add ex-Cowboy Randy Gregory to overcome the crippling disadvantage of Trey Lance spilling their secrets to Dallas
ā David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 6, 2023
/s
Suggested coin-toss captains for Sunday: Randy Gregory and Trey Lance.
ā Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) October 6, 2023
49ers trading for Randy Gregory has BIG potential written all over it.
ā Leo Luna (@LeoLuna93) October 6, 2023
Pressure percentage:
Bosa 15.8%
Jackson 10%
**Gregory 9.4%
Ferrell 5.6%
Rotation lethal š„ pic.twitter.com/Ase1904CeA
Randy Gregoryās best season was 2021
ā Nicholas McGee (@nicholasmcgee24) October 6, 2023
Six sacks, 12 QB hits, 43 pressures.
If the 49ers can get even half of those numbers, the trade is a win.
The 49ers trade for Randy Gregory is a no lose situation. If he doesnāt work out, we lose a sixth rounder. Who cares? If he does work out, we got another pass rusher in the arsenal. This is a good move in an all in year.
ā Ryan G Hensley (@ryanghensley) October 6, 2023
49ers trade for Randy Gregory. Yes, the guy the Broncos signed for $70M in the offseason.
ā Crant (@CrantGohn) October 6, 2023
This is getting out of control.
Give the 49ers the Lombardi now. pic.twitter.com/PCoIUBygBb
The #49ers defensive line:
ā Sterling Bennett (@49ers_Access) October 6, 2023
Starters:
- Nick Bosa
- Javon Hargrave
- Arik Armstead
- Drake Jackson
Depth:
- Clelin Ferrell
- Javon Kinlaw
- Kevin Givens
- Randy Gregory* (newly acquired)
- Kerry Hyder Jr
- Kalia Davis
PS:
- Austin Bryant
- Alex Barrett
HOLY TOLEDO BATMAN!!
Holy Toledo Batman indeed.