Expert: 49ers $70 million acquisition on the ‘Roster Bubble’ for 2024
When the San Francisco 49ers acquired Randy Gregory in a trade from the Denver Broncos when Denver was on the verge of cutting him, it was considered as a coup for the club that was already shaping up to be the best in the NFC. Gregory was a snakebitten player, but a berth on the 49ers roster felt like a nice fit for him.
Gregory enjoyed a breakout year in his fifth season after dealing with injuries for much of his career in Dallas, and that led to a five-year, $70 million contract extension in 2022.
Gregory, on the other hand, did not pan out with the Broncos. And, while he has not been a poor addition to the 49ers pass rusher roster, he has not solved the team’s problem of having a quality pass rusher opposite standout end Nick Bosa. Gregory has played 221 defensive snaps for the 49ers this season, accounting for 33% of the team’s defensive snaps.
And, while the 49ers have a slew of offseason financial decisions to make, Gregory might be one of them—he is, in fact, on the “roster bubble” for 2024, according to contract specialists Spotrac.
“Randy Gregory was added at the trade deadline to bolster an already ridiculous 49ers defensive line.” “By moving on, San Francisco can free up all $14 million in salary for next year,” noted analyst Mike Ginnitti.
Randy Gregory’s compensation was what made him unpopular in Denver and even more so on the trade market. He was also unwelcome in Denver, where coach Sean Payton demoted Gregory to the bench in October, replacing him with second-year player Nik Bonitto.
Gregory missed five games last season due to a knee issue. Gregory’s health has been a serious issue since his time in Dallas, when he appeared in 50 of 81 possible games.
Said Payton in October, “We just felt like these other guys were playing better,” Payton said. “It happens in this league. Shoot, we want the best players possible. There’s was a combination of things, but yeah, those other guys stepped up and are playing better.”
Randy Gregory, then, has been the forgotten 49ers trade acquisition this year. It is doubtful he has a future in San Francisco beyond this season, but his work with the 49ers could ensure he gets to keep pushing his career forward at age 31.
A deep playoff run will go a long way to ensuring that. And if Young gets a mega-contract offer next year that proves too rich for the 49ers, there is a chance that the team will look to keep Gregory on board, though at a lower contract number.
Gregory talked about how important the rest of the season would be following what transpired in Denver after the trade.
“I think I have everything where it needs to be,” he stated, according to The Athletic. “Mentally, if I’m in order there, I’m pretty good.” My family life is now going well. The children are content. I have a newborn, so I’m a little concerned – I want to be at home with him. But I know what’s at risk. I’m a big lad, and I’ve got a job to do.”
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