NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Release Randy Gregory After He Fails to Report to Training Camp

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released edge rusher Randy Gregory, just days after he failed to report to training camp. Gregory, 32, had signed a one-year free-agent deal with the team in April, but never showed up to training camp or attended mandatory minicamp practices.

According to Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles, Gregory’s absence was not motivated by his lawsuit against the NFL and the Denver Broncos, which alleges discrimination against players who use medication with THC to alleviate social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Bowles stated that he was never told if Gregory’s absence was related to the lawsuit, and that the team has depth at outside linebacker, including players who could still make the team.

Gregory, who played 12 games for the San Francisco 49ers last season after being traded by the Broncos, was fined nearly $1.4 million for missing 24 days of training camp and three mandatory offseason practices. The Buccaneers can also take back a percentage of his signing bonus, according to ESPN.

The Buccaneers were hoping Gregory could bolster a pass rush that totaled 48 sacks last season, tied for ninth among NFL teams. However, with Gregory’s release, the team will likely turn to other players to fill the void.

In the lawsuit, Gregory claimed he was being discriminated against by not being allowed to continue taking a medication with THC in it to alleviate social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Players testing positive for THC are no longer suspended by the league, but can be fined since it’s still on the NFL’s list of banned substances.

The Buccaneers’ decision to release Gregory comes as a surprise, given the team’s need for pass rushers. However, with Gregory’s absence and the team’s depth at outside linebacker, it’s likely that the Buccaneers will be able to move forward without him.

Key Statistics:

• Randy Gregory, 32, signed a one-year free-agent deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in April.
• Gregory never reported to training camp or attended mandatory minicamp practices.
• He was fined nearly $1.4 million for missing 24 days of training camp and three mandatory offseason practices.
• The Buccaneers can take back a percentage of his signing bonus, according to ESPN.
• Gregory played 12 games for the San Francisco 49ers last season after being traded by the Broncos.
• The Buccaneers’ pass rush totaled 48 sacks last season, tied for ninth among NFL teams.