The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to part ways with Randy Gregory, a player who never even made it onto the practice field for the team. This decision marks yet another chapter in the tumultuous career of the 31-year-old defensive end.
Missed Opportunities
Gregory, who was picked up by the Buccaneers in April on a one-year, $3 million free-agent contract, never formally joined the team's practice sessions. His absenteeism began early, as he failed to report to the Buccaneers' minicamp in June and subsequently missed the first 24 days of training camp. These repeated absences likely influenced the team's decision to release him, which they finalized on Sunday.
Head coach Todd Bowles had a direct take on Gregory's brief, almost non-existent tenure with the Buccaneers. "No, I never found out. I wish him the best. We'll move on from there. You can't miss what you never had," he commented. This succinctly captures the team's sentiment as they look to move forward without Gregory on their roster.
A Career Marred by Controversies
This isn't the first time Gregory's professional journey has been plagued by setbacks. Originally drafted in the second round by the Dallas Cowboys, Gregory's career has been dotted with issues that have kept him off the field as much as on it. Most recently, he was released by the Denver Broncos, despite being in the middle of a lucrative five-year, $70 million contract. His departure from Denver was marred by legal disputes, as Gregory took the bold step of suing both the Broncos and the NFL earlier this offseason.
Substance Issues and Health Concerns
Adding to his series of challenges, Gregory was fined over $500,000 last year after testing positive for THC, a substance for which he had a prescription due to social anxiety disorder and PTSD. While this explains part of his off-field troubles, it adds another layer of complexity to his already controversial career. Despite these struggles, Gregory did find a brief opportunity to get on the field with the San Francisco 49ers during the latter part of the 2023 season, though it didn't translate into a longer-term commitment.
Bigger Picture for the Buccaneers
For the Buccaneers, letting Gregory go opened up a crucial roster spot, one that could potentially be filled by a more reliable and present player. The decision reflects a need for consistency and commitment, particularly as the team gears up for a competitive season. Gregory's repeated failures to report for team activities left the Bucs with little choice but to move on.
Uncertain Future
As for Randy Gregory, his future in the NFL remains uncertain. With a history of missed team activities, legal issues, and substance-related fines, his track record poses significant questions for any team considering taking him on. Despite his evident talent, Gregory's inability to stay out of the headlines for off-field issues has undoubtedly impacted his career trajectory.
The Buccaneers' experience with Gregory may well serve as a cautionary tale for other franchises. While talent remains a significant factor, reliability and availability are equally crucial in the high-stakes world of professional football.