Cowboys finalizing deal for Randy Gregory's backup plan
The Cowboys are close to signing a defensive end, just not the one everybody thought that they would. A long-term deal for Randy Gregory had been agreed upon on Tuesday. However, things took a left turn and he took his talents to the Denver Broncos. To counter this monumental mishap, the Cowboys are bringing back […]
The Cowboys are close to signing a defensive end, just not the one everybody thought that they would.
A long-term deal for Randy Gregory had been agreed upon on Tuesday. However, things took a left turn and he took his talents to the Denver Broncos. To counter this monumental mishap, the Cowboys are bringing back another in-house free agent, Dorance Armstrong.
Armstrong was a fourth-round pick of the Cowboys out of Kansas in 2018. After a half-sack season as a rookie, some believed Armstrong would take the next step in 2019. It didn't quite happen, but he did log two sacks.
In 2020, the former Jayhawk started to show some of his raw potential with 33 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Armstrong continued his elevation last season with 37 tackles, five sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and a fumble recovery.
Armstrong has been durable during his career with the Cowboys playing in 59 out of a possible 65 games (eight starts). He's not the solution to replace Gregory, but Armstrong is a solid piece to have behind DeMarcus Lawrence and another potential starter.
The Cowboys have missed out on Von Miller, Chandler Jones, and Za'Darius Smith. Guys like Melvin Engram, Trey Flowers, and Derek Barnett are still available, and if the Cowboys can snag one of them to go along with Armstrong and a draft pick or two at edge rusher, then they could be working with something.
When it's all said and done, it shows the Cowboys' commitment toward correct their mistake. However, it's fair to say the front office shouldn't be in this position to begin with.
And it's also fair to say they're hoping Armstrong will help them save face at the end of the day. It will take a long for that to happen. But in regard to Armstrong's individual success, let's hope it does.
Feature image via Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
