The speculation is over. After previous rumors of the Dallas Cowboys interested in bringing Aldon Smith back in 2021 fell back, the former All-Pro signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Losing Smith hurts the Cowboy’s rotation on the defensive line, but it also creates an opportunity for others to perform.
Guys like Dorance Armstrong, Bradlee Anae, Free Agent Tarell Basham and ERFA retainee Ron’Dell Carter should chew with the possibility of elevated roles. However, Smith’s departure opens up a huge opportunity for someone higher on the depth chart to see more action, and that’s Randy Gregory.
Cowboys’ second round in 2015 recorded 271 defensive snaps in 2020. After just six snaps in his first game in Week 7 against the Washington Football Team, Gregory recorded at least 29 snaps in six of the last nine games he played in, and he made them all count.
Gregory finished with 21 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 12 quarterback hits, his second-highest totals in all three categories since entering the NFL. He also added three forced fumbles, the most he’s had in any season.
The former Nebraska Cornhusker now has the green light to become the top option on the right, facing DeMarcus Lawrence. With only 28 games of NFL wear and tear on his body, Gregory should have no problem carrying the burden and maximizing the immense talent that made him one of the most sought-after pass-rushers of the collegiate ranks.
After a hiatus of nearly two years from the actual game action, Gregory looked great in 2020. With a bigger role and a full off-season to prepare himself, he’ll have more chances to wreak havoc on the right. If successful, it could open things up on the left for DeMarcus Lawrence, who won’t be seeing as many double teams. This will also help the interior of Cowboys’ line of defense as they will see more one-on-one opportunities with so much focus on the outside pass rush.
The Cowboys had arguably the worst defense in their history last season. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said in January that he was looking to play an important role for players with unique aspects to their game. With that being said, he should be looking every possible way to unleash Gregory, which would increase the Cowboy’s chances of having a respectable defense to match their powerful attack.