As widely anticipated, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially parted ways with outside linebacker Randy Gregory after he did not report to training camp.
The Bucs placed Gregory on the reserve/non-reporting list back on July 23, the date set for veteran players to report to training camp.
Gregory, 31, has been absent from both preseason contests this month and did not take part in voluntary offseason workouts or the mandatory three-day minicamp—his absence from the latter being unexcused. As a result, he incurred fines exceeding $1 million.
Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles commented this weekend that he still had not received any explanation for Gregory’s absence, stating, “You can’t miss what you didn’t have.”
The Bucs had signed Gregory as a free agent on April 3 to a one-year deal worth $3 million, which included the potential to earn an additional $2 million in incentives.
In a dramatic twist, Gregory filed a lawsuit in June against both the NFL and the Denver Broncos, citing discrimination under Colorado’s right to accommodations law. According to the lawsuit, Gregory faced fines exceeding $530,000 since March 2023 for the use of synthetic cannabis, which is prohibited by the league. Gregory asserted that using THC-containing medications is crucial for managing his social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Last season, Gregory started three out of four games for the Broncos, contributing nine tackles, one sack, and two quarterback hits before being traded to the San Francisco 49ers on October 6.
He played in 12 regular-season games and three playoff games with the 49ers, who advanced to Super Bowl LVIII but ultimately fell short against the Kansas City Chiefs. During this run, Gregory recorded 2.5 sacks and made eight quarterback hits.
Over his career with Dallas (2015-21), Denver (2022-23), and San Francisco, Gregory has amassed 117 tackles, 22 sacks, 69 quarterback hits, 10 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception. However, his career has been frequently interrupted by injuries and suspensions, including missing the entire 2017 and 2019 seasons.
