Edge rusher Randy Gregory does not report to Bucs training camp

TAMPA ― Troubled but talented edge rusher Randy Gregory did not report to training camp with the Bucs veterans on Tuesday. He was placed on the reserve/did not report list.

Gregory, 31, signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the team as a free agent in April but did not participate in voluntary offseason workouts and did not attend mandatory minicamp, citing personal reasons.

The unexcused absence left him subject to more than $100,000 in fines before ever meeting his coaches or teammates.

The Bucs started Tuesday not knowing Gregory’s plans and did not have an explanation for why he has stayed away since signing with the club. The team’s first practice is Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.

In June, Gregory filed a lawsuit against the NFL and the Broncos claiming discrimination for being fined more than $500,000 in the past year-plus for taking medications for disabilities that include THC. Gregory says in the complaint filed in Colorado that he needs THC to treat social anxiety disorder and PTSD.

Gregory has a history of suspensions for positive THC tests dating to 2016, when he played for the Cowboys. He was suspended for the entire 2017 season and suspended indefinitely in 2019. While the league considers THC a banned substance, it no longer suspends players who test positive for it.

Gregory was expected to compete at outside linebacker opposite Yaya Diaby, who led the Bucs with 7-1/2 sacks last season.

Even without Gregory, the Bucs have some good depth at that position. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Anthony Nelson, Markees Watts and Jose Ramirez return, and the Bucs used a second-round pick on Alabama edge rusher Chris Braswell.

In 72 career games with the Cowboys, Broncos and 49ers, Gregory has 117 tackles and 22 sacks.

• • •

Sign up for the Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.

Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on Instagram, X and Facebook.