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Randy Gregory is finally ready to apply for reinstatement to the NFL. According to reports, he will formally submit his application tomorrow (Thursday) for review by the NFL league office in hopes of rejoining the Cowboys.
#Cowboys suspended DE Randy Gregory, who recently spent more than 6 weeks in intensive drug and alcohol rehab in addition to counseling, will submit his application for reinstatement to the @NFL tomorrow, sources say. 60 days from now is mid-July — right before training camp.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 16, 2018
The Cowboys took a chance on Gregory when they drafted him in the second round of the 2015 draft even though they knew of his history with drugs, including failing a test at the combine that year. He hasn’t been able to stay on the field consistently since.
When he plays, he shows flashes of the talent that would have made him an easy first-round pick in the draft. He’s got the athletic traits to make a fantastic pass-rushing defensive end, now he hopes to make that happen.
A source said, “He’s doing unbelievable in California, getting ready for the season. We’ve got our fingers crossed that he could become the comeback story of 2018.”
Several of his teammates have joined in the effort to get him reinstated, writing testimonials for the league.
Several of Gregory’s teammates, including Tyrone Crawford and Sean Lee, wrote letters of support for Gregory to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
“I tried to give my two cents to the league and what I think is best for Randy,” Crawford said Wednesday. “I think it’s best he’s back in the locker room, he’s back around us. I think it will be good for him, and it’ll be good for us.”
Getting Gregory back would be a bonus, but the Cowboys defensive line is finally coming together. If reinstated, Gregory will have to fight for a roster spot and a place in the rotation.
Of the current defensive linemen, only [DeMarcus] Lawrence has played in a Pro Bowl, but as the Cowboys get ready for 2018 they could have their best line since switching to a 4-3 scheme in 2013 with Rod Marinelli as the line coach.
”I’m more excited to get this thing going than ever,” [Tyrone] Crawford said. “The defensive line, we’ve got a lot of weapons and with what we’ve shown so far in workouts, I’m excited to see these guys on the field. It’s going to definitely be a fun year. I’m ready for everything Coach Marinelli has to coach us and we’ll see how it goes.”
The Cowboys defensive line has a lot of nice parts, but no one has the ability to speed rush like Gregory can. Getting him back could add a jolt to the unit and finally give Dallas a return on that second-round investment.