![](https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2023/10/Randy-Gregory-49ers.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
Surprise!
Two days after reports emerged that the Denver Broncos planned to release outside linebacker Randy Gregory, the team has found a trade partner instead.
Denver has agreed to trade Gregory and a 2024 seventh-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Broncos coach Sean Payton hinted on Wednesday that a trade could be in the works instead of a release.
“It hasn’t been finalized yet because typically before a transaction takes place, there may be some teams interested in a trade,” Payton said on Oct. 4. “If any of that came to fruition, we would let you guys know.”
Denver will pay “all of the remaining prorated $14M base salary, minus the prorated veteran minimum,” according to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com. So the salary cap implications are similar to a release, but the team will now move up a round late in the draft.
Gregory will now join a 49ers edge room that already includes Nick Bosa and Clelin Ferrell. The Broncos, meanwhile, are moving forward with Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. Baron Browning also returned to practice this week and Frank Clark seems to be on the mend as well.
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