Randy Gregory free agency 2022: Russell Wilson helped poach veteran pass rusher from Cowboys to Broncos

Russell Wilson is already having a huge impact on team-building with the Denver Broncos, something that eluded him greatly during his time with the Seattle Seahawks. The veteran quarterback is wasting no time helping his new team recruit headline talent in 2022 NFL free agency, and that includes defensive end Randy Gregory — who stunned the entire NFL by reaching an agreement with the Dallas Cowboys on a five-year deal before a contractual implosion fueled by a last-minute clause the team attempted to insert after the fact subsequently thrust him into the arms of the Broncos.

Gregory has now signed a five-year, $70 million deal in Denver that will play him in tandem with former fifth-overall pick Bradley Chubb, and achieves a mission set out by the Broncos in free agency when they emerged as the frontrunner to steal Gregory away from the Cowboys, a curveball CBS Sports initially reported Monday. Highly sought after by several teams, it was Gregory’s first actual taste of NFL free agency, and the offers came in hot and ready.

But, with the added help of Wilson, the former second-round pick is now a Bronco. 

“Initially, [free agency] was really hectic,” Gregory said, via the Broncos official website. “Pretty painful, but the Broncos really sweetened it and made it worthwhile — so did Russell — so like I said, I’m really excited to be here. …I’m excited for the future.”