Buccaneers Release Randy Gregory After Failure to Report
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made the decisive move to release linebacker Randy Gregory, a player whose time with the team can be summed up as an absence rather than a presence. Gregory, signed to a one-year, $3 million free-agent contract in April, never formally stepped foot on the practice field for the Buccaneers, leading to his release on Sunday.
Gregory's brief tenure with Tampa Bay was marred by a series of missed commitments. He did not report to the team's mandatory minicamp in June and subsequently missed the first 24 days of training camp. This lingering absence prompted the Buccaneers to free up the roster spot by cutting ties with the 31-year-old pass rusher.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles addressed Gregory's departure with a candid 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," said Bowles. His remark underscores the perplexing nature of Gregory’s tenure, or rather, the lack thereof.
Gregory's NFL journey has been anything but straightforward. Originally a second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys, his professional career has been characterized by moments of promise clouded by off-field issues. His latest stint before joining the Buccaneers was with the Denver Broncos, where he was released halfway through a five-year, $70 million contract. Further adding to his turbulent career, Gregory recently sued both the Broncos and the NFL earlier this offseason.
The off-field issues didn't stop there. Gregory was fined over $500,000 last year for testing positive for THC, a substance prescribed to him to manage social anxiety disorder and PTSD. These infractions have certainly influenced his tumultuous NFL journey, reflecting ongoing personal challenges and their impact on his professional life.
Despite his struggles, Gregory's talent on the field has never been in question. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses earned him significant contracts and the interest of multiple NFL teams. However, his brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers during the latter portion of the 2023 season did little to help him regain a stable position in the league.
The decision to release Gregory leaves the Buccaneers with unanswered questions. His signing was initially viewed as a low-risk, high-reward move, hoping that a change of scenery might spark a resurgence in his career. Instead, it became a matter of managing absence and freeing up valuable roster space.
As Gregory's future in the NFL hangs in the balance, it is uncertain what the next step will be for the embattled linebacker. Teams may be wary of investing in a player who has yet to demonstrate reliability and commitment at the professional level.
The narrative of Randy Gregory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports careers. While talent can open doors, consistency, and dependability are equally crucial for sustained success. For now, the NFL watches and waits to see if Gregory can find his way back onto the field and revive a career filled with untapped potential.