December 10, 2023: Santa Clara, California, USA - Randy Gregory (5), San Francisco 49ers linebacker, pictured pre-game at Levi's Stadium against the Seattle Seahawks. Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign outside linebacker Randy Gregory to a one-year deal, as announced by the team on Wednesday.
This signing addresses a crucial need for the Buccaneers at outside linebacker following the departure of Pro Bowler Shaquil Barrett, whose release in a salary-cap-saving move led to his subsequent signing with the Miami Dolphins this offseason. The Buccaneers remain open to the possibility of drafting a player for the position.
Gregory’s Career Stats and Contributions
Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2015 from Nebraska, Gregory finished last season with the San Francisco 49ers after a trade from the Denver Broncos. Throughout his time with both teams, he got 3.5 sacks, made 20 tackles (14 solo), had six tackles for a loss, delivered 10 hits on the quarterback, and defended a pass in 16 games, starting three of them.
In 2022 with the Broncos, Gregory contributed with 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 12 combined tackles (seven solo), 2 tackles for a loss, and 7 quarterback hits. Before joining Denver, Gregory spent five seasons with the Cowboys, amassing 16.5 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss.
Challenges and Comebacks
Gregory’s NFL journey has been marked by suspensions due to violations of the league’s substance abuse policy. He faced a 14-game suspension in 2016, missed the entire 2017 season, was absent for two games in 2018, and sat out the entirety of the 2019 season due to repeated violations. However, in 2020, the Cowboys reinstated him and later invited him to join the players’ council, demonstrating his growth and leadership within the team.
In the postseason, Gregory showcased his impact with the 49ers, recording five combined tackles (three solo) and a tackle for a loss across three games, including Super Bowl LVIII, where he played 32 snaps.
This report used information from ESPN.
