|
"It was something that we felt was just best
for our team right now, timing-wise," Payton said Wednesday. "It
hasn't been finalized yet because typically before a transaction
takes place, there may be some teams interested in a trade. ...
We felt like with some of our younger players and where we are
going, it was best for our team right now."
Payton said he expected an official transaction to be made
within "24-48 hours" and said that Gregory did not request to be
released.
"This was something we made and decided. You spend a lot of time
on decisions like this," Payton said.
Signed to a five-year, $70 million contract prior to the 2022
season, Gregory recorded nine tackles and a sack in four games
(three starts) this year for the Broncos. He is slated to make a
$14 million base salary this season, with $5 million in 2024
being fully guaranteed.
Nik Bonitto, 24, replaced Gregory as a starter in Denver's 31-28
victory over the Chicago Bears last Sunday. He assisted in
forcing a game-tying sack-fumble that was returned for a
touchdown.
"It was a number of things," Payton said when asked if the
decision with Gregory was performance-based. "He played 30 snaps
last week. We just felt like these other guys were playing
better. It happens in this league. We want the best players
possible. There was a combination of things.
"Those other guys stepped up, and we felt like they're playing
better."
Gregory, 30, has totaled 106 tackles, 19.5 sacks, 10 forced
fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 60 career games (18 starts)
with the Dallas Cowboys (2015-21) and Broncos. He was selected
by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
--Field Level Media
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content. |
|
