The 49ers are bolstering their already scary pass rush.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero first reported Friday afternoon, citing sources, that the 49ers are acquiring outside linebacker Randy Gregory in a trade with the Denver Broncos.
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NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco confirmed the news and reported, citing a source, that San Francisco is sending a 2024 sixth-round pick to Denver in exchange for Gregory and the Broncos' 2024 seventh-round pick.
The 49ers made the trade official later in the afternoon and released defensive lineman Kerry Hyder Jr. as the corresponding 53-man roster move.
Gregory, a second-round pick by the Cowboys in 2015, played five seasons in Dallas at defensive end before signing a five-year $70 million contract with the Broncos before the 2022 season where he transitioned to an outside linebacker.
San Francisco 49ers
In 60 career games (18 starts) with the Cowboys and Broncos, Gregory has 19.5 sacks, 106 combined tackles, 10 forced fumbles, 61 quarterback hits and one career interception.
Mike Klis of 9NEWS reported, citing a source, that the Broncos are paying almost all of Gregory's $10.9 million salary this season, with the 49ers on the hook for just the veteran minimum.
According to Over The Cap, no money on the three remaining years of Gregory's contract is guaranteed.
The 31-year-old played in just 10 games in his season-plus with the Broncos and has struggled to stay healthy throughout his NFL career.
If he's able to stay healthy, Gregory will bolster an elite 49ers pass rush that already includes Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, Drake Jackson and Clelin Ferrell.