Bucs Release Randy Gregory Before His Tenure Even Begins
In a surprising yet decisive move, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have opted to part ways with defensive end Randy Gregory, a player who never even had the chance to don the Buccaneers' practice gear. The team's decision to release Gregory caps off a perplexing and turbulent offseason for the 31-year-old, whose future in the NFL now appears uncertain.
Gregory was brought into the Buccaneers' fold in April on a one-year, $3 million free-agent contract. Despite the financial commitment, the 31-year-old defender never quite made it to the field. He missed Tampa Bay’s minicamp in June, and his absence stretched through the first 24 days of training camp, eventually leading to Sunday's announcement of his release.
The former second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys has had a rollercoaster career filled with both promise and setbacks. Gregory was released by the Denver Broncos midway through a five-year, $70 million contract, following a string of disciplinary issues and injuries. His time with the Broncos took a further contentious turn when Gregory sued both the team and the NFL earlier this offseason, exacerbating his already uncertain professional landscape.
The Buccaneers acquired Gregory in the hopes that a fresh start would allow him to reclaim some of the form that made him a high pick and a disruptive force on the defensive line. However, Gregory’s repeated absences ultimately left the team with little choice. "No, I never found out. I wish him the best. We'll move on from there. You can't miss what you never had," head coach Todd Bowles stated, making it clear that the team was ready to close the chapter on this short-lived stint.
The decision to release Gregory was primarily driven by his failure to attend mandatory team activities. These unexcused absences were discouraging to a Buccaneers' squad that is looking to build a cohesive unit as they prep for the upcoming season. While the team hoped Gregory could bring veteran experience to their defensive front, his lack of participation left them with no choice but to free up the roster spot.
Gregory's journey in the NFL has been marred by controversy and off-field issues as well. Last year, he was fined over $500,000 for testing positive for THC, a substance prescribed to him for social anxiety disorder and PTSD. His latest stint with the San Francisco 49ers during the latter part of the 2023 season was also short-lived, revealing a concerning pattern in his professional behavior.
With his release from the Buccaneers, the question now remains: What lies ahead for Randy Gregory? While his talent is undeniable, the consistent inability to stay on the field and a litany of off-field problems make his future in the league highly uncertain. Teams interested in his services will undoubtedly weigh his talent against the risks that seem to follow him.
The Buccaneers, meanwhile, must push forward, focusing on the players who have committed to contributing this season. The team had hoped to add depth and versatility to their defense with Gregory's signing, but they will now need to look elsewhere to fill that void.
As the NFL season is set to begin, the Buccaneers' decision to release Gregory signals a commitment to building a team culture centered around reliability and accountability. For Gregory, the road ahead is murky, and his next steps will be crucial in determining whether he can find stability within the NFL's competitive environment or if his professional journey is nearing its end.