The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially decided to part ways with Randy Gregory, culminating a brief and tumultuous stint with the team.
Gregory, who was signed to a one-year, $3 million free-agent contract in April, never formally participated in any Buccaneers practices. The journey took a concerning start when Gregory did not report to the team's minicamp in June, which was his first scheduled team activity. Following up with another absence, he missed the first 24 days of training camp, a significant period considering the critical time teams spend forming their roster and developing chemistry among players.
By Sunday, the Buccaneers decided to release Gregory, choosing to free up the roster spot for someone who could contribute to the team's preparation and performance this season. The move comes as little surprise, given Gregory's repeated failure to report for team activities, which substantially hindered any potential integration into the team's plans.
Randy Gregory's NFL journey has been marked by substantial highs and lows. Originally a second-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys, Gregory had shown flashes of talent that made him a coveted prospect. However, his professional career has been punctuated by off-field issues and inconsistent availability. At 31 years old, Gregory's journey has seen multiple teams and several disappointments.
Perhaps most notably, Gregory was released by the Denver Broncos halfway through a five-year, $70 million contract. This release came after a series of issues that affected his performance and standing with the team. Earlier this offseason, Gregory took the drastic step of suing both the Broncos and the NFL, further highlighting the off-field challenges that have been a recurrent theme in his career.
Last year, Gregory was fined over $500,000 for testing positive for THC. The substance was prescribed to him for social anxiety disorder and PTSD, conditions that have affected his life and career. Despite this context, the fine represented yet another chapter in Gregory's checkered NFL narrative.
Gregory also had a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers during the latter portion of the 2023 season, but even that period did not lead to a permanent role within the team. The reasons behind his inability to stick with a team are manifold, but his recent history with the Buccaneers underscores a pattern of absenteeism and unmet expectations.
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles spoke about Gregory's departure, expressing a succinct sentiment about the situation: "No, I never found out. I wish him the best. We'll move on from there. You can't miss what you never had." Bowles' comment captures the overarching sentiment of a team that had hoped for a different outcome but was ultimately unmoved by Gregory's brief and uneventful tenure.
As it stands, Gregory's future in the NFL remains uncertain. With multiple off-field issues, and a pattern of not meeting team expectations, his next opportunity, if it comes, may carry even more scrutiny. For now, the Buccaneers move ahead, focusing on the players who have been present and contributing, as they prepare for the upcoming season.