Buccaneers Discover Unrestricted Free Agent Challenges Ahead of Tomorrow’s Game: Could Randy Gregory Be a One-Hit Wonder?
The Buccaneers thought they knew how unrestricted free agents worked, but after some tough calls this season, they might be reconsidering that understanding. The impact they expected when they signed defensive lineman Randy Gregory may be at risk. Before Gregory's acquisition, the Buccaneers made several strategic moves to strengthen their roster, including re-signing wide receiver Mike Evans, three-time All-Pro linebacker Lavonte David, and bringing back quarterback Baker Mayfield. These signings reflect the Buccaneers' commitment to maintaining a competitive edge, but will Gregory be the one to bring it home?
Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Randy Gregory's career has been anything but smooth. Plagued by injuries and suspensions, his early years in the league were marked by inconsistency. However, Randy Gregory began to realize his potential during his final three seasons with the Cowboys, where he tallied 15.5 sacks. This resurgence made him a top free-agent pass rusher in 2022, attracting the attention of the Broncos, who ultimately failed to see a return on their investment.
Gregory’s NFL career has been marked by highs and lows, with his most recent low being his underwhelming stint with the Denver Broncos. After signing a five-year, $70 million contract in 2022, Randy Gregory was expected to be a cornerstone of the Broncos' defense. However, his performance failed to meet expectations, leading to his trade for a late-round pick swap early in the 2023 season. In his brief time with the San Francisco 49ers, Gregory appeared in 12 games, recording 2.5 sacks and four tackles for loss. At 31, his role with the Buccaneers appears more focused on providing depth, especially after losing Barret in free agency.
As Gregory’s time in Denver came to an end, the Broncos traded him, along with a 2024 seventh-round pick, to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2024 sixth-round pick. 49ers head coach Kyle Shannon confirmed that Randy Gregory passed his physical, though he would not be available to play until after Week 5. This trade underscored Denver's readiness to move on from Gregory, whose role had diminished significantly by the time of the trade.
Furthermore, amidst all the rumors and scandals, Randy Gregory has been open and candid about his struggles with social anxiety disorder and PTSD. To manage these conditions, he was prescribed medication containing THC, a substance banned by the NFL. Despite multiple attempts to secure an exemption, Gregory's requests were denied, leading him to file a lawsuit against the league for discriminatory practices.
In a troubling development, Randy Gregory has failed to attend any of the organized team activities without an excuse. The team responded by fining him $100,000 for his absence. While the exact reasons remain unclear, speculation suggests his ongoing mental health issues may be at play. For a player of Gregory’s stature, especially one newly acquired, missing these critical sessions could strain his relationship with the team and tarnish his reputation.
The situation escalated further when Gregory did not report for the Buccaneers' mandatory minicamp. Consequently, the team placed him on the reserve/did not report list, with potential salary cap implications. While this could save the Buccaneers’ money, it also risks leaving a gap in their defensive lineup—a gamble that might cost them in the long run. Gregory's prolonged absence could have a significant impact on the team’s performance this season, potentially weakening their defensive front and jeopardizing their playoff hopes.
