The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made the decision to release defensive end Randy Gregory, ending a brief and tumultuous association before it even began formally. Gregory, who was signed to a one-year, $3 million free-agent contract in April, consistently failed to engage with the team's activities, ultimately leading to his release this Sunday.
Unmet Expectations
Despite the Buccaneers' initial hope for Gregory to make a significant impact on their defensive line, the reality of his tenure never aligned with their expectations. Gregory never reported to the team's minicamp in June and missed the first 24 days of training camp. This pattern of absenteeism left the team with little choice but to free up the roster spot for someone more dependable.
"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, expressing a mix of disappointment and pragmatism.
A Checkered Past
Gregory's career has been marred by inconsistency and controversy. Originally a second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys, he showed flashes of potential but was often sidelined by off-field issues. His stint with the Denver Broncos was cut short halfway through a five-year, $70 million contract. Adding to his tumultuous journey, Gregory sued both the Broncos and the NFL earlier this offseason. These legal actions, alongside his suspension for a positive THC test — which was prescribed for social anxiety disorder and PTSD — have cast a long shadow over his career.
Brief Stint in San Francisco
Most recently, Gregory had a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers during the latter part of the 2023 season, but it wasn't enough to clear the air regarding his reliability. The Buccaneers' gamble to bring Gregory into the fold was always seen as high-risk, especially given his well-documented history of failing to meet team commitments.
Releasing for Roster Needs
The Buccaneers decided it was in their best interest to release Gregory and allocate the roster spot to a player who could contribute to the team without such instability. Given that Gregory is 31 years old, the clock is ticking on his ability to secure another chance in the NFL, leaving his future in the league uncertain.
For now, the Buccaneers look to forge ahead without the defensive lineman they never truly had, hoping this move will bring some stability and focus back to their preseason preparations.