The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made headlines with their decision to release Randy Gregory, a move that intrigued many in the football community. Gregory, who was signed by the Buccaneers on a one-year, $3 million free agent contract in April, never formally joined the team in practice.
Missed Opportunities
This parting of ways comes after a series of absences that started with Gregory failing to report to the Buccaneers' minicamp in June. His prolonged absence continued as he missed the first 24 days of training camp, raising concerns about his commitment and availability. The repeated no-shows led the Buccaneers to ultimately make the call to release him on Sunday.
Head coach Todd Bowles commented on the situation, shedding light on the team's standpoint. "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 stated, reflecting both disappointment and pragmatism.
Career Setbacks
Gregory, a second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys, has had a career marked by potential and pitfalls. At 31 years old, his journey through the NFL has been tumultuous. Previously, Gregory was released by the Denver Broncos halfway through a five-year, $70 million contract, a significant blow to his professional trajectory.
The offseason saw further complications for Gregory as he initiated lawsuits against both the Broncos and the NFL. Moreover, he faced substantial financial penalties last year, being fined over $500,000 for testing positive for THC. Notably, THC had been prescribed to Gregory for social anxiety disorder and PTSD, adding a layer of complexity to his situation.
Brief Stints and Future Uncertainty
Gregory's time with the Buccaneers isn't his only short-lived engagement in recent years. He had a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers during the latter portion of the 2023 season. Despite these opportunities, consistent integration into team activities has eluded him.
The decision by the Buccaneers to free up the roster spot was fundamentally driven by Gregory's inability to report for team activities. This underscores a recurring issue in his career where availability and commitment remain major concerns.
As it stands, Gregory's future in the NFL appears uncertain. The repeated absences and off-field issues have cast a shadow over his potential to secure a stable position within a team. The journey ahead for Gregory remains undefined, and it is yet to be seen if another team will take a chance on the once-promising athlete.