The Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently made headlines by deciding to part ways with Randy Gregory, a player who never actually took to the practice field for the team. Gregory, signed to a one-year, $3 million free-agent contract in April, failed to report to the Buccaneers' minicamp in June and subsequently missed the first 24 days of training camp. These absences led the team to release him on Sunday.
A Troubled Tenure
Randy Gregory's time with the Buccaneers was over before it truly began. The 31-year-old defensive end has had a tumultuous NFL career, one that includes being a second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys and multiple tenures with other franchises.
Despite the initial optimism surrounding his signing, Gregory never managed to participate in any team activities with the Buccaneers. His repeated failures to report ultimately cost him his spot on the team, forcing the Buccaneers to free up the roster space.
Gregory’s release from Tampa Bay marks another challenging chapter in his career, which saw him previously released by the Denver Broncos halfway through a five-year, $70 million contract. Earlier this offseason, Gregory took legal action against both the Broncos and the NFL, adding yet another layer of complexity to his professional journey.
The Fallout
The decision to release Gregory has prompted varied reactions, both within the team and from the public. When asked about the situation, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said, "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’ sentiments reflect a mixture of disappointment and resignation regarding a player that never truly became part of the team's dynamic.
Further complicating Gregory's career are the various infractions he has faced. Last year, he was fined over $500,000 for testing positive for THC, a substance prescribed to him for social anxiety disorder and PTSD. This, coupled with his legal battles and missing training sessions, frames a picture of a player whose off-field issues have significantly impacted his on-field opportunities.
Uncertainty Ahead
The future for Randy Gregory in the NFL remains uncertain. His brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers during the latter portion of the 2023 season did little to solidify his standing in the league. His age and track record of missing team activities and legal troubles may deter other teams from taking a chance on him.
For now, both Gregory and the Buccaneers will move forward separately. The Buccaneers, appearing to have learned from this experience, will undoubtedly be more cautious with future signings. For Gregory, the road ahead is filled with question marks, and it remains to be seen whether he can overcome his challenges and make a successful return to professional football.