The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to release Randy Gregory, a decision that comes amid the veteran defensive end's continued absence from team activities. This move marks the latest chapter in what has been a tumultuous year for Gregory.
Brief Stint with Buccaneers
Despite signing a one-year, $3 million free-agent contract in April, Gregory never fully integrated into the Buccaneers' team dynamics. He notably skipped the Buccaneers' minicamp in June and missed the first 24 days of training camp. This ongoing absence led the Buccaneers to ultimately part ways with the 31-year-old player to open up a roster spot.
Head coach Todd Bowles addressed the release succinctly: “No, I never found out. I wish him the best. We'll move on from there. You can't miss what you never had.”
Past Struggles
Gregory’s professional journey has been marred by several challenges. Initially drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round, Gregory showed promise but struggled to find consistency on the field. His issues off the field compounded matters. He inked a lucrative five-year, $70 million contract with the Denver Broncos, only to be released halfway through the deal.
Legal troubles further complicated Gregory’s career. Earlier this offseason, Gregory sued both the Broncos and the NFL, a legal battle speculated to stem from his myriad struggles during his tenure in Denver. Last year, Gregory faced fines exceeding $500,000 after testing positive for THC, a substance he used to manage social anxiety disorder and PTSD, conditions for which it was prescribed.
Brief Stint with the 49ers
After his release from the Broncos, Gregory had a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers towards the end of the 2023 season. However, it wasn’t enough to cement his place within the team or revive his flagging career. The Buccaneers appeared to have been his latest hope for a career renaissance, a hope that has now dissipated with his release.
Uncertain Future
As of now, Gregory’s future in the NFL remains uncertain. While his talent is undeniable, his inability to stay consistently engaged with team activities casts a long shadow over his career prospects. Teams are likely to weigh these factors heavily when considering bringing him on board.
The Buccaneers’ decision to part ways with Gregory hints at an ongoing struggle to find engagement and commitment, issues that have plagued his career. Whether Gregory can overcome these hurdles and find a new foothold in the NFL is something only time will tell.
For a player who once held so much promise, Randy Gregory’s story is a sobering reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. As he navigates this latest career setback, both Gregory and the teams who might consider signing him again will need to assess the risks and rewards carefully.