The San Francisco 49ers made a bit of a splashy move on Friday, acquiring veteran pass rusher Randy Gregory and a 2024 seventh-round draft pick from the Denver Broncos. Surprisingly, all it took was their own sixth-round draft pick in 2024. In exchange for dropping down a round in next year's draft, the team gains another valuable pass rusher, a position of high priority for them.
Gregory is currently in the second year of the five-year, $69.5 million deal signed with the Broncos last year. Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area noted that Gregory will carry a significant cap hit of $16.1 million in each season through 2026. However, there's more to the story.
Newly acquired 49ers edge rusher Randy Gregory's cap figure is $16.1 million for each season through 2026.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) October 6, 2023
None of the money beyond this season is guaranteed. Additionally, Broncos insider Mike Klis reports that Denver is picking up all but the prorated $1.08 million minimum of Gregory's remaining $10.9 million salary this season. That means the 49ers are on the hook for a mere $840,000 for the remainder of this season.
Per source, Broncos are paying all but prorated $1.08 million minimum ($840k) of Randy Gregory's remaining $10.9m this year. So Broncos pay roughly $10m but do get one-round jump in draft.
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) October 6, 2023
For Broncos, something is better than nothing.
For 49ers they get a proven OLB. #9sports
There is very little financial risk for the 49ers in acquiring Gregory, who at 30 years old, has the potential to rejuvenate his career under the guidance of defensive line coach Kris Kocurek.
San Francisco entered Friday with $41.1 million in salary cap space.