Buccaneers release OLB Randy Gregory

Randy Gregory stayed away from the Buccaneers during training camp, and his time with the team is now coming to an end. The veteran defensive end has reached an agreement with the Bucs and will be released, reports Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

Gregory's absence is a mystery, but Stroud's report suggests an agreement has been reached regarding the injury. Such agreements are common this time of year, as they allow players to be released while they rehabilitate from ailments before they can sign with a new team. Gregory will be a free agent once his release is official, though he will undoubtedly have a lukewarm market.

The 31-year-old had been on the reserve/non-reporting list since late July after also missing the mandatory minicamp. The reason for this was unclear, but Gregory filed a lawsuit against the Broncos and the NFL for prohibiting him from taking a prescription drug containing THC earlier in the offseason. Since then, there have been few updates on his situation.

Head coach of the Buccaneers Todd Bowles said he had not communicated with Gregory, who signed in April, ahead of training camp. The former Cowboy turned down an offer from Dallas in 2022 and accepted an offer with identical terms to join the Broncos. However, his tenure in the Mile High City did not go according to plan and after just 10 games for the Broncos, he was traded to the 49ers in October.

Gregory recorded 2.5 sacks in San Francisco, but his overall performance during his five-year, $69.5 million contract was disappointing to say the least. He accepted a $3 million contract to go to Tampa Bay and take on an additional role in the team's pass rush. Shaquil Barrett left the club as a free agent (and has since retired), leaving a void on the Bucs' roster. However, after Gregory missed minicamp and training camp — and was fined — it seemed as though he would be released before the season even began.

With that decision now made, the former second-round pick will (presumably) try to find a place with a team before Week 1. However, for a prospect to sign him, his situation will need to be resolved over the past few months, meaning Gregory could be on the free agent market for a second extended period of time in 2024.