Randy Gregory's Turbulent Journey: Bucs Part Ways Without Ever Seeing Him on the Field
In a move that hardly came as a surprise to those following the situation, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to release Randy Gregory. Signed to a one-year, $3 million free-agent contract in April, the 31-year-old defensive player never reported for Buccaneers' activities, making the team's decision inevitable.
Signing and Absence
Gregory, a second-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys, has struggled throughout his NFL career with off-the-field issues. His brief association with the Buccaneers started with a promising contract but quickly unraveled when he failed to check in for the team's minicamp in June. Despite crossing the mid-July mark, Gregory missed the first 24 days of training camp, further raising concerns within the organization.
"No, I never found out. I wish him the best. We'll move on from there. You can't miss what you never had," Buccaneers' head coach Todd Bowles remarked about the absence of Gregory, underscoring the disconnect between the team and the player.
Legal Issues and Previous Release
Gregory’s problems extend beyond missing practices. He was previously released by the Denver Broncos halfway through what was supposed to be a five-year, $70 million contract. His tenure in Denver ended under a cloud of controversy, as he later pursued legal action against both the Broncos and the NFL earlier this offseason. According to reports, Gregory was fined over $500,000 last year for testing positive for THC, a substance prescribed to manage his social anxiety disorder and PTSD.
A Career in Limbo
With the situation getting increasingly untenable, Tampa Bay decided it was time to cut ties, opting to free up the roster spot due to Gregory's recurring absence. Gregory briefly joined the San Francisco 49ers in the latter portion of the 2023 season, but his contribution was negligible. As a result, his future in the NFL remains murky at best.
Given his age and the baggage that seems to follow him, it's uncertain what lies ahead for Gregory. His natural talent has been overshadowed by a consistent failure to meet team expectations, and any prospective team considering bringing him onboard will do so with significant caution.
While the Buccaneers look ahead to their new season without Gregory, the saga serves as a stark reminder of the challenges some players face in maintaining the balance between professional responsibility and personal issues. For now, the focus for Tampa Bay is firmly on those ready and willing to contribute on the field, even as Gregory's tumultuous career remains a topic of discussion.