The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made the decision to release Randy Gregory, a move that might not come as a surprise to many, given his track record with the team. Gregory, who never formally participated in any practice sessions with the Buccaneers, was signed to a one-year, $3 million free-agent contract in April only to miss critical team activities and obligations thereafter.
Despite being a seasoned player, Gregory's stint with Tampa Bay appeared doomed from the start. He was notably absent from the Buccaneers' minicamp in June and subsequently missed the first 24 days of training camp, a concerning pattern that evidently led to the team's decision to free up the roster spot by releasing him.
Head coach Todd Bowles addressed the situation with a straightforward comment: "No, I never found out. I wish him the best. We'll move on from there. You can't miss what you never had." This succinctly captured the sentiments within the Buccaneers' camp, highlighting the lack of impact Gregory had on the team due to his repeated absences.
A Troubled Past
Randy Gregory's career in the NFL has been fraught with challenges. Originally a second-round pick for the Dallas Cowboys, Gregory has faced numerous setbacks throughout his time in professional football. At 31 years old, his track record has been marred not just by absences but also by disciplinary issues.
Before the brief and unfruitful tenure with Tampa Bay, Gregory was released by the Denver Broncos partway through a five-year, $70 million contract. His time with the Broncos also ended in controversy, punctuated by his decision to sue both the Broncos and the NFL earlier this offseason.
Substance Use and Legal Battles
One of the key episodes in Gregory's turbulent career involves his positive test for THC, resulting in fines exceeding $500,000 last year. Gregory's use of THC was reportedly prescribed for conditions including social anxiety disorder and PTSD, adding a complex layer to his ongoing struggles with compliance and the NFL's regulations.
A Brief Stint with the 49ers
Prior to his time with the Buccaneers, Gregory had a short-lived stint with the San Francisco 49ers during the latter part of the 2023 season. Though brief, his time with the 49ers provided a glimpse of his potential, which unfortunately was never fully realized in Tampa Bay.
The Future is Uncertain
As Gregory now faces an uncertain future in the NFL, questions abound regarding his next steps. Whether another team will take a chance on him remains to be seen, given the repeated issues that have followed him throughout his career. The Buccaneers' decision to release him underscores a growing impatience with his inability to commit to team activities and his ongoing legal and personal struggles.
For now, the Buccaneers will look to move forward, focusing on players who can contribute on and off the field. As for Randy Gregory, whether he will find another opportunity to redeem his once-promising career remains an open question.