The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached an agreement this week to release outside linebacker Randy Gregory just a few months after signing him to a one-year contract.
The reason for his release was simple — he never showed up.
He never showed up to offseason training sessions, offseason meetings or training camp. He never spoke with head coach Todd Bowles.
Perhaps even more confusing, Bowles said he was never given a reason.
“I’ll never find out, but I wish him the best and we’ll move on from there,” Bowles said this weekend. “Can’t miss what you never had.”
His one-year deal was worth $3 million with potential incentives that could have added an additional $2 million over the course of the season.
By not showing up to camp and missing the Buccaneers’ first two preseason games he accumulated more than $1 million in fines from the team.
Gregory has been a pass-rushing specialist throughout his career and appeared in 16 games during the 2023 season for the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers, recording 3.5 sacks. In his NFL career with the Broncos, 49ers and Dallas Cowboys he has recorded 22 sacks and 69 quarterback hits.
While the Buccaneers were hoping he could provide some additional pass-rushing depth this season, Bowles said the team’s outside linebacker position might be the deepest spot on their roster.
He didn’t seem terribly concerned with Gregory’s absence. Especially given that he never even had a chance to coach him or see him play for the team.