After releasing Shaq Barrett, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wanted to strengthen their pass rush this offseason. The Buccaneers signed Randy Gregory to a 1-year, $3 million contract worth up to $5 million in incentives. Gregory enters his tenth year in the league.
Unfortunately, injuries and multiple drug-related suspensions, including his being suspended for the entire 2017 and 2019 seasons, have limited him to 72 regular-season games throughout his career. His reasons behind his drug use will be explained later.
So far, he hasn’t been present for offseason workouts.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers EDGE rusher hasn’t participated in offseason workouts
Randy Gregory has skipped voluntary workouts, including voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp. Since he had an unexcused absence, he was fined $101,716 for missing the three minicamp practices.
His reasoning behind skipping minimap hasn’t been announced, but many speculate that his ongoing lawsuit against the NFL is the reason.
Randy Gregory is suing the NFL for discrimination
As previously discussed on Gridiron Heroics, Gregory is suing the NFL for discrimination because the NFL fined him over $500,000 for THC use, which helps him treat his disabilities, including social anxiety disorder and PTSD. Pro Football Talk has the information regarding his civil complaint.
“Mr. Gregory requested an accommodation from the NFL and Broncos to consume Dronabinol to treat his disabilities,” the civil complaint alleges. “Specifically, Mr. Gregory sought to consume Dronabinol, which is synthetic cannabis, at the direction of his treating physician during non-work hours. The NFL and the Broncos denied his request noting that THC is a federally controlled substance.
“Since requesting an accommodation, Mr. Gregory has paid $532,500 in penalties to the NFL for consuming THC to treat his disabilities. Regardless of a positive test, Mr. Gregory is expected to play in every game, attend practice, attend media sessions, and fulfill his job responsibilities. In other words, he cannot be suspended for a positive test alone. Significantly, the NFL and the Broncos profited from Mr. Gregory’s continued employment.”
Training camp starts next week
Rookies report to training camp on Monday, July 22, while veterans report on Tuesday, July 23. It’s unclear whether Randy Gregory will report to camp. Todd Bowles isn’t sure if he’ll show up.
“We have not had any conversations,” Bowles said. “I expect him to be here, but we’ll see.”
If Randy Gregory wants to make the 53-man roster, he must show up to training camp
Gregory isn’t a lock to make the 53-man roster. First, he faces stiff competition for a roster spot. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and YaYa Diaby will likely start in 2024, while 2nd-round pick Chris Braswell is a lock, and Anthony Nelson looks to hold onto the other backup spot after he had an underwhelming 2023 season.
Second, not practicing will not help his chances of making the roster. If he wants to have a roster spot, he must show up to camp and practice.
Finally, the Buccaneers can afford to release him. If the Bucs release him, they will incur a dead cap hit of $1.365 million but free $1.605 million in cap space.
