The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have let go of edge rusher Randy Gregory after he did not report to training camp.
Coach Todd Bowles stated on Sunday that the team decided to release Gregory after he was placed on the reserve/did not report list on July 23 due to his absence. Bowles expressed that he was never informed about the reasons for Gregory’s failure to attend camp, saying, “I wish him the best. We’ll move on from there. You can’t miss what you never had.”
Gregory, 31, who has previously played for the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and San Francisco 49ers, signed a one-year, $3 million contract during free agency. However, he did not take part in the Buccaneers’ voluntary offseason program or attend the mandatory minicamp this summer.
In June, Gregory filed a lawsuit against the NFL and the Broncos, alleging discrimination after being fined $532,500 for using medication containing THC for disabilities while with Denver. He claimed he was prescribed Dronabinol for social anxiety and PTSD but was denied necessary accommodations for his treatment.
While the NFL no longer suspends players for positive THC tests, it remains a banned substance, and players can still face fines. The lawsuit names the Broncos, although teams do not impose fines for violations of league drug policies, which are managed by a jointly appointed third-party medical professional.
Since March 2023, Gregory has faced fines totaling $532,500 for multiple positive THC tests. His lawsuit argues that the NFL’s and Broncos’ refusal to provide accommodations for his disabilities constitutes discrimination under Colorado law.
Gregory was a second-round draft pick by the Cowboys in 2015 and played five seasons with them, facing multiple suspensions for drug policy violations. He joined the Broncos in 2022 but spent most of that season sidelined due to a knee injury. In 2023, he split his time between the Broncos and the 49ers, who acquired him via trade in October.
Over his seven NFL seasons, Gregory has participated in 72 games, recording 22 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and 69 quarterback hits.
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