The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to part ways with Randy Gregory, ending a tumultuous chapter that never saw the defensive end take the field in practice. Gregory, who penned a one-year, $3 million free-agent deal with the Buccaneers in April, failed to meet team expectations by not reporting for a variety of team activities over the past few months.
A Disappointing Tenure
Despite signing with the Buccaneers earlier this year, Gregory's time with the team can best be described as disappointing. He never made it to the Buccaneers' minicamp in June and missed the first 24 days of training camp. These absences culminated in the team's decision to release him on Sunday.
“No, I never found out. I wish him the best. We'll move on from there. You can't miss what you never had,” said head coach Todd Bowles, succinctly summarizing Gregory's brief and ultimately unproductive stint with the franchise.
The Career Rollercoaster
Gregory, a second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys, has had a career marked by highs and lows. Now at 31 years old, he's experienced both impressive highs, such as his initial high draft selection, and lows, including being released by the Denver Broncos midway through a five-year, $70 million contract.
Earlier this offseason, Gregory was involved in a legal battle, suing both the Broncos and the NFL, making headlines yet again. This added another layer of complexity to a career already rife with challenges.
A Troubled Past
Last year, Gregory faced significant financial penalties, being fined over $500,000 for testing positive for THC. The substance was prescribed to him for social anxiety disorder and PTSD, shedding light on the personal battles he has faced off the field.
Gregory’s stint with the San Francisco 49ers late in the 2023 season was brief and ultimately did little to restore his standing in the league. His continued absences and off-field issues contributed to the Buccaneers' decision to free up his roster spot.
An Uncertain Future
As it stands, Gregory's future in the NFL remains uncertain. With his release by the Buccaneers, it appears teams may be hesitant to take a chance on him given his recent history of not reporting for team activities and his off-field legal and personal issues.
With a career once brimming with potential, Gregory now finds himself at a crossroads. Whether or not another NFL team will give him an opportunity to redeem himself on the field is yet to be seen. What remains clear is that his journey through the league continues to be as unpredictable as ever.