Randy Gregory is working through the process of being reinstated to the NFL

The Cowboys have needed help at defensive end ever since Robert Quinn took his 11.5 sacks from last season to Chicago in free agency. DeMarcus Lawrence is expected to anchor one side of the line, an even though he had a down year in sacks in 2019, he still is a force. Lawrence will need help from the other defensive end spot. The Cowboys might get some more help in the form of Randy Gregory, who is working his way through the process of reinstatement.

“We are working through the process,” Peter Schaffer, Gregory’s agent, told PFT. “We are very happy for Aldon and wish him all the luck in the world and successful resumption of his career. It’s refreshing to see the NFL following through on their stated goal to focus more of rehabbing players than punishing players.”

Gregory has shown the ability to be effective when he can get on the field. Even though the new CBA takes a much more relaxed policy towards marijuana use, players suspended previously are not grandfathered in so Gregory needs to get reinstated, and he needs to stay out of trouble to remain on the field.

Yesterday the Cowboys got some good news when Aldon Smith was reinstated.

We noted that despite Smith hitting the other side of 30, he still has a chance to do some damage if he can manage to stay on the field. Smith feels the same way.

“I’m an overall better person,” he said. “I got 20 sacks — or 19.5, I say 20 because it was 20 — but, I was able to play at a high level with a lot of other things going on in my life. With how life is for me now, I’m just looking forward to seeing what I can do. My goal is to pick up where I left off. That just means I always work hard. I always play hard. I want the same thing out of my teammates and I’m sure those guys in the locker room feel the same way, and with that mentality, the sky is the limit. I think as long as we do what we need to do and everybody plays to their potential anything’s possible.”

Smith, who described himself as “extremely thankful for the Cowboys” for giving him another chance in the NFL, said that he feels great at 30 years old.

“God has blessed me with talent,” Smith said. “And one of the talents is my natural gift to play ball, to be an athlete. So, I still feel young. I don’t have the mileage on my body. I still feel great when I go to the gym. I still feel young and fresh. So, if anything, I’m looking forward to what I’m going to be able to do out there.”

The Cowboys have taken some chances here, and have shown incredible patience with Gregory, but there’s a possibility that it will all pay off this upcoming season. Smith and Gregory are exceptional talents, if they can stay on the field and produce the way they are capable of, the Cowboys pass rush will become a strength.