Randy Gregory Is Bucs’ Answer To An Edge Rusher

April 3rd, 2024

Edge rusher Randy Gregory.

Well, as Joe’s old man used to often say, something is better than nothing.

So the Bucs went head-first into the dumpster today and crawled out with an edge rusher. That would be Randy Gregory, per Jenna Laine of ESPN. And trust Joe, Gregory is close to nothing.

The seven-year veteran has a checkered past and in his best seasons put up Joe Tryon-Shoyinka-like numbers. Twice he’s had six-sack seasons.

Aside from those two, Gregory struggled to get on an NFL field and when he did, he was just a warm body.

Gregory likely would have been a first-round pick coming out of Nebraska but he couldn’t put the bong down (allegedly) and was popped for a drug test at the combine. This has been a pattern that has dogged Gregory throughout his NFL career.

Gregory is no stranger to the long arm of the law from NFL warden Roger Goodell. When he isn’t missing time due to suspensions, he’s hurt.

Joe would be surprised if Gregory plays much if at all for the Bucs, just based on his history. Simply put, this guy isn’t the answer.

113 Responses to “Randy Gregory Is Bucs’ Answer To An Edge Rusher”

  1. Steven007 Says:

    He’s just a body with a recognizable name at this point. If he wants to extend his career, he will show as much during training camp. They’re not spending anything on him so it doesn’t hurt to check him out. Obviously not the edge response we are looking for at this point.

  2. pepsi Says:

    desperation signing in case bucs pass on edge rusher in round 1. theyre just trying to add a body that maaayybe has some rotation potential. not a fan tho. why inject possible bad character into what has been a great locker room (besides Antonio Brown) for the last 5 years?

  3. PNW Buc Says:

    He played for coach Edward’s a few years ago, hopefully the kid can keep his head straight and just play ball.
    He’ll be part of the rotation, to go along with the draft pick we eventually make.
    Let’s go Bucs, let’s go pass rush..lol

  4. bucsfan951 Says:

    what a pathetic attempt at finding an edge rusher. if anyone is excited for this signing, please let me know what makes you excited about it…

  5. Defense Rules Says:

    I’m thinkin that Bud DuPree is looking better & better right about now. Gregory’s 22 sacks in 7 years is about as unimpressive as you can get. He’s averaged 10 games per year in those 7 years, and a tad less than 300 def snaps per season. Even JTS puts him to shame, big-time.

  6. Scott Says:

    He was rated solid last year but dropped off a cliff this year. Ranked 106 out of 112 by that analytics site

  7. JimBobBuc Says:

    A big NO!

  8. BuxfaninTX Says:

    All I have to say is..there’s a lot of dispensaries on Dale Mabry 😬

  9. Marine Buc Says:

    I don’t really know what to think about this guy until I see the contract details…

    What I do know is – if the GM and coaches were overly impressed with Watts or Ramirez this signing is unnecessary.

    It might also signal that the Bucs are not going to take an edge rusher with pick #26.

    Interior O-line, CB or WR is probably going to be the pick.

  10. sweti_yeti Says:

    He won’t beat out our young guys.

  11. Duane in Sanford Says:

    This is just another body. It sets the table for the young guys to play. If you cant be more available or efficient as this guy, you need to find another team to play for.

  12. NutterBuccer Says:

    Eh he’s a body and shows that bucs know they need edge rushers. Veteran presence who played for the linebackers coach we got last year from Dallas.

  13. Teflon Don Says:

    Every year J-Licht signs a guy for the low and he ends up reviving his career or just balls for us. Hoping this guy can do the same. If he’s motivated he can play well and squeeze out one more big contract before he’s gotta hang em up. Rooting for him to make it shake #NoDiddy

  14. WhatTheBuc Says:

    I think Gregory will be good in this defense. I’m sure he signed for veteran minimum. If he’s not good, they can cut him after camp with no repercussions. The Bucs are just hedging in case they can’t get an edge in the draft. Fans overreacting as usual. If you where expecting them to sign a TJ Watt type in free agency, that was a pipe dream. Gregory will hook you up with some cush while you lament.

  15. Marine Buc Says:

    @ WhatTheBuc

    “Gregory will hook you up with some cush while you lament.”

    It’s Kush – not Cush…

    But this comment was funny either way.

  16. adam from ny Says:

    ok………….this is the weirdest signing ever

  17. Boss Says:

    SUPERBOWL BABY!!

    THAT FRONT 7 IS GONNA BE MEAN!

  18. Bucs Guy Says:

    Anything but CB!

    I would prefer Edge or IOL, but if the first round grade players are gone and Bucs can’t find a trade partner, I’m OK with drafting a WR.

  19. adam from ny Says:

    now we are def drafting two edge guys in the first 3 rounds

  20. adam from ny Says:

    he is going to teach all the yung gunz how to roll a proper spliff

  21. sweti_yeti Says:

    Perhaps this is leading to a JTS trade?

  22. Anon Says:

    Why even bother with this character, he shouldn’t make the team. Unless we’re really that desperate, which would be alarming.

  23. SlyPirate Says:

    A beastly man-child that absolutely crushed it in college. He was awesome! Unfortunately that was eight years ago. Total NFL bust. Doubt he makes the final roster.

  24. Todd Says:

    Licht was overheard at Bern’s Steakhouse telling his wife, “We needed to sign an edge ASAP to shut JBF the hell up already!”

    This is your signing, Joe.

    Hope he makes you proud!

    # LFBong!!!

  25. Alanbucsfan Says:

    The NFL’s new collective bargain agreement significantly loosens rules on player use of marijuana and testing. If the new rules were in place a few years ago, Gregory would likely have never been suspended or would have received light punishment.
    It’s a good gamble by the Bucs and alot of potential upside.

  26. Marine Buc Says:

    @ sweti

    I thought the same thing…

    JTS might be on the block. There were rumors of it last week or so.

  27. Faatfivefreddy Says:

    Yeaaaa Joe can stop crying like a baby now

  28. DoooshLaRue Says:

    Gun stores, drug dealers and prostitutes in Tampa are celebrating today.

  29. KnoxvilleBuc Says:

    Love the depth piece but for the wow factor at the pass rushing position he’s mediocre. Great college career but personal issues and injuries certainly didn’t help his NFL game. Still want to us address the pass rushing position or interior d-line early in the draft. Tryon could be on the block or we could grab Murphy to beef up the interior. Vita is getting older and his size will definitely play a factor in his longevity. If a legitimate pass rusher is available between 19-26 we need to be aggressive in getting one.

  30. Jb Says:

    I see this as a camp body signing. I’d be shocked he makes the 53 man.

  31. Colin in Canada Says:

    We should have kept Shaq. This signing makes no sense at all to me.

  32. BPBucsfan Says:

    And to think, we could’ve had Reddick someone who actually produces for a 3rd round pick. 🤔 🤷

  33. Conner50 Says:

    Chase Young, Calais Campbell, Bud Dupree, Clowney are all looking really good right about now… heck this guy is gonna make JTS look really good lol. Doubt this guy will even make the final 53 man roster

  34. Boise Bucs Fan Says:

    Seems like a pre-Arians move to me

  35. View from 132 Says:

    Why write this dude off? Everyone here knows more about this man than Licht, coaches, scouts, personnel people… I’m saying he’s going All-Pro, but to say you find a guy in the trash is harsh. He’s got an opportunity here, so hope he has a career year. Plenty of college kids have weed problems but can play.

  36. View from 132 Says:

    Ha. I’m NOT saying he’s going All-Pro… typo.

  37. DoooshLaRue Says:

    Colin in Canada Says:
    April 3rd, 2024 at 6:07 pm
    We should have kept Shaq. This signing makes no sense at all to me.
    _______

    No way.
    Shaq is done.

  38. Marine Buc Says:

    @ Dooosh

    I agree.

    This signing pretty much replaces Shaq’s production in 2023 for 1/10th the price.

    An older rotational player who can still play but is no longer relevant.

  39. Rod Munch Says:

    YES! YES! YES!!! THIS IS THE FINAL PIECE TO THE PUZZLE! CALLING IT NOW – GREGORY IS GOING TO BE THE STEAL OF FREE AGENCY AND ALONG WITH FUTURE NFL MVP BAKER MAYFIELD IS GOING TO LEAD THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE SOUTHERN DIVISION CHAMPIONS TO A SUPER BOWL!!!!

    #TEAMPOSITIVE!

  40. adam from ny Says:

    yeah i was thinking that too…jts on the block…to maybe chicago for ngakoue or something…

    no way they demote jts, and then just give him the automatic upgrade back to a starter spot out of desperation…

    i guess us keyboard warriors gotta just sit back and see how it plays out

  41. adam from ny Says:

    remember there was a good pass rusher in san fran …i think named alden smith – who destroyed his career with drugs and or alcohol…

    not too long ago either

  42. Christopher Schiefen Says:

    Didn’t you just say adding someone’s 6 to JTS’s 6 is 12 and that’s good enough? Watch Reddick get 11 if he’s lucky and get paid 15-20 million more than Gregory.

  43. Tony Marks Says:

    You all as usual can’t evaluate opportunity with regard to talent

    This is a brilliant signing. Everything is not about sacks All you have to do is slip some herb to the QB, tell Gregory its new premium Jamaican Weed, and though he wont bring the Qb down he will have hands all over him looking for it in under two seconds.

    Again its NOT about sacks. its about hurrying the opposing Qb.

  44. Bojim Says:

    Great! We’re all set then.

  45. Jordan Says:

    It’s a good hedge for earlier in the season — hopefully Watts develops in the offseason and throughout the season, he is very fast/explosive.

    We need to draft something as well though.

  46. Tony Says:

    We’re getting rid of one idiot now (Devin) only to bring in somebody else who’s not any better? Yeah that makes sense.

  47. Christopher Schiefen Says:

    Also, if Gregory’s main “problem” was the pot that was actually a RULE problem & it doesn’t apply anymore. The Cowboys wanted him back, the Broncos just paid him but then went fire sale when Russ & the coach didn’t work out. You don’t seem to have a whole lot of juice for your “but he’s checkered” take.

  48. SB~LV Says:

    Still has to make the 53…

  49. agnosticbuc Says:

    What? This is not an answer. This is a joke. A backup to the backup.

  50. Buc4evr Says:

    Well Joe you wanted a FA edge rusher and you got one.. lol. Think this signing is Jason’s way to make JTS look good.

  51. Pewter Power Says:

    Fans always wants the Bucs to make some dramatic signing or trade every offseason. Licht hasn’t built the team that way. It is what it is which is a low risk signing. If it works out great if not on to the next one. If he’s Islam useless he won’t make it through training camp

  52. Irishmist Says:

    Just as recreational weed is about to be legalized in FL… Well, he’ll be good for the local economy if nothing else.

  53. toad bowels Says:

    I saw what you did here – he-he “pipe dream” I think that was his problem, he couldn’t put down the pipe….he replaces Carlton Davs as the designated Snoop Dogging Puff Daddy in the Mile High Up in Smoke defense….

    “WhatTheBuc Says:
    April 3rd, 2024 at 5:28 pm
    I think Gregory will be good in this defense. I’m sure he signed for veteran minimum. If he’s not good, they can cut him after camp with no repercussions. The Bucs are just hedging in case they can’t get an edge in the draft. Fans overreacting as usual. If you where expecting them to sign a TJ Watt type in free agency, that was a pipe dream.

  54. unbelievable Says:

    Eh, it’s a low risk with some possible upside move. Nothing more, but could end up being a decent rotational surprise.

    Between all the suspensions and time missed, he has pretty low mileage for a seven year vet.

  55. Simeon4HOF Says:

    Well there’s the vet. Smokescreen depth signing maybe lol. News was shocking. Not sure what this is really

  56. 74 Bucs Fan Says:

    I don’t hate this move. Gregory seemed to be a big strong dude at Dallas and could collapse the pocket. Man size with veteran presence. Why not?

  57. Bucswin! Says:

    So your saying he has potential with the right coaching stuff? Hope he gets his medical card.

  58. Capt.Tim Says:

    Yay . . . .
    I guess.

  59. Capt.Tim Says:

    See Joe!
    And to think, we were worried!

  60. infomeplease Says:

    I would imagine that the Bucs will add another edge in the draft if there’s anyone available at the right time. TB might have to use the other position players( ILB, S, orCB), like last year again, to get consistent pressure. That or perhaps Yaya and/or Watts will step up be the man!

  61. DoooshLaRue Says:

    Joe seems to love known name players.

  62. sweti_yeti Says:

    Doosh-
    Drop a name and J03 is on it. Suggest that a practice squad guy we drafted last year could step up into a productive role in the edge rotation and he dumps on it.

  63. OR Buc Says:

    I don’t mind the move. It is a known name, but I’ll bet it’s a cheap deal. Depth.

  64. OR Buc Says:

    Doosh and sweaty. You do realize we just signed this player? Should Joe be criticized for reporting on it? I think there has been an article on every Buc signing, correct me if I’m wrong Joe. I also believe we’ve seen many articles on all individual players from our rookie class, while weight is usually given to stars/starters. That’s how it works.

  65. Brassmky Says:

    New here, I think it’s a good move, he’s got talent never put it together similar to JTS. It’s a safeguard for not drafting a 1st round edge. I think IOL should be the pick. Unless a unicorn event happens and edge or top corner gets left on the board. Maybe a move if if they fall into the early 20s

  66. DoooshLaRue Says:

    OR Buc,

    Thank you for bringing that to my attention.
    I guess I lost my head there for a minute.
    I will try to be more grateful for the things Joe gives us all on a daily basis.

    #lovejohnny

  67. Durango 95 Says:

    If you’re disappointed w/ this move then you have not been paying attention to what Edge players are left to bring in. Word has it they signed him to less than $5 mil.. one year deal. Guys a rotational piece. Assuming he makes it to the 53 he will see action on 3rd down while they use JTS as a joker type and move him around. Just as Bowles said he would do just last week. Having said that they need help in the draft from another edge guy. Low key move. RELAX.

  68. Shane Callahan Says:

    I’m a fairly new Bucs fan. I loved Marino. After he retired, I’ve not had an NFL team because my state doesn’t have one. I did really enjoy Dunn/Alstott years though. Please tell me why this is the only Bucs site that has Bucs haters. I really enjoy this site because of the articles, but this site also has the most haters. Even though I’m a lifelong coach and teacher, I’m old and not tech savvy. So, seriously, why do so many so-called Bucs fans hate on this site twice as much as the others? I’m not trying to be ugly; I’m being very seriously curious.

  69. TampabayDJ Says:

    Boss is a fake fan that shouldn’t be allowed on this site.

  70. Shane Callahan Says:

    Ps, this has nothing to do with this pothead story. (I was in college too, but if I was given God-given NFL talents and possible millions, I’d put the bong down, lol.)

  71. JustVisiting Says:

    I like this move. Low cost, low risk. Regression to the mean works in both directions…maybe Licht has reason to think the guy is finally ready to play.

  72. Pickgrin Says:

    NFL players getting in “trouble” for weed is no longer a thing… unless the law is involved…

    Worst case – he sucks and the Bucs cut him and lose nothing…

    Best case – at 31 years old, Gregory FINALLY puts it all together and winds up with 8 or 9 sacks as a rotational pass rusher and earns himself another year or 2 in the league…

  73. Conner50 Says:

    Chris Braswell or Adisa Isaac in the second round please

  74. Kevin Says:

    WELL JOE LIKE YOUR PAPPY USE TO SAY SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING, NOW LET’S JUST HOPE OUR HEAD COACH CAN COACH HIM UP AND PUT HIM IN IDEA MATCHUP, HOPEFULLY RANDY BOY HAS THE DRIVE AND DETERMINATION TO WANT ONE LAST BIG PAYDAY…..HE COACH UP BARRETT REMEMBER.

  75. MelvinJunior Says:

    Perfect situation for Gregory! His “character flaws” will NOT be an issue with THIS locker room… Does anyone REALLY ‘think’ that a locker room with LaVonte David, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, AND Baker Mayfield will EVER ‘allow’ a player such as Gregory to affect I in ANY way!? Yah, I Don’t Think So. It’s a depth piece with little downside ($), who played significant minutes in ‘12-games’ last season (3-PLAYOFF GAMES) on a damm good football team. Hopefully, it’ll light a fire under JTS’s ACE!!!!

  76. Dave Pear Says:

    The one and only head coaching competitive advantage Todd has over everyone else, is to be able to help guys like this find himself. So, if anyone can do it, it’s Todd. Just as long as he leaves actual football stuff to his assistants.

  77. Joe Says:

    Joe seems to love known name players.

    Not sure how you got from the post above that Joe likes this guy. Think it is an awful move.

  78. Dave Pear Says:

    It’s gotta be a no risk deal for the Bucs. If he strays at all off the field or doesn’t match up to the work ethic of our men in pewter, which is what I love most about ‘em, then he’s gone with no damage done, other that a warning to other young dudes – see what happens when you squander what God gave you?

    Or when you have elite talent and elite work ethic, you end up being Mike or Lavonte.

  79. Joe Says:

    Drop a name and J03 is on it. Suggest that a practice squad guy we drafted last year could step up into a productive role in the edge rotation and he dumps on it.

    Well, you do the math: The Bucs just signed a dude barely hanging on to his NFL career, a guy that can’t stay healthy and can’t put the bong down. What’s that say about those precious weekday warriors? If they were any good, no sense is signing some dude like Gregory.

    And if these practice squad guys the Bucs drafted are so good, why did they clear waivers and why hasn’t another team signed them to their 53-man roster?

    That’s why Joe pays zero attention to practice squad dudes. They’re unwanted for a reason. Make the freaking 53-man roster and Joe will pay attention to them.

    If being bluntly honest is “sh!tting” on a guy, they have it in their power to prevent that. Play/practice better and get on someone’s roster.

  80. Oddball Says:

    Welcome Shane. They are not haters ( mostly ) They are trolls trying to stir the pot and see what happens. Or they have PTSD from decades of loosing.

    BTW, you’re joking about Marino right?

  81. Cobraboy Says:

    His 2023 stats are similar to Barrett.

    Decent few-clicks-above-camp-meat signing, maybe the guy can catch on fire.

  82. Cobraboy Says:

    IF he makes it to TC.

  83. Dave Pear Says:

    It’s kinda amusing in a way that the Joes provide the content on this site, much of it unique and almost all of it as it breaks, let’s anyone who can sit up, take nourishment, and tap on a smart phone post here, and these complainers flame along like their scorching case of herpes is interfering with their monthly flow.

    Hats off to the Joes for tolerating these raging blowtards. The first amendment is alive and well at JBF (unless you eclipse the fog index and insist on capitalizing too many words for too much emphasis….and even they complain….wow)

  84. Joe Says:

    Hats off to the Joes for tolerating these raging blowtards.

    Thank you! Appreciate the kind words.

  85. David Says:

    He had the talent to be a 10 sack guy for 10 years… He just could not put the bong down. What is it, six suspensions in six years? He has missed as many games as he’s played almost.
    But- on a one year deal for cheap, to throw into a rotation, it could work out as long as they keep him away from the blunts

  86. FrontFour Says:

    Nahhhh… this is a later April fools gag.

  87. TheBigSombreo Says:

    Depth… depth is good. It all adds up.

  88. DCone Says:

    Rumor has it Bucs could sign Corn’s boy from KY. QB Leary in the 6th round. Who else can run a guys offense better than a guy that has run his offense. .

  89. BUCman Says:

    WHY???……..He is an embarrassment as a person and a player. I thought we had higher standards. How does this help us??

  90. OR Buc Says:

    It almost makes me think we could move up come draft time. Build depth pieces at CB, “Edge”, and OL. Then use a pick or two to move up for a prime edge rusher. That would make remaining pieces easily fillable. Extra corner, RB, OL, LB at the least. Jason is doing it right with options available to us.

  91. Simeon4HOF Says:

    Still clearly need Edge in Rd1 or 2. Hoping for Kneeland or Isaac in the 2nd

  92. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Bet he doesn’t even make the final 53.

  93. Mr. Editor Says:

    Even a diminished Shaq Barrett is better than Gregory.

  94. ^^mtn^^ Says:

    Since Davis is gone, Dean won’t be so lonely & now has someone to share a spleeff with

    ^^mtn^^
    Since ’76

  95. Joe Says:

    Even a diminished Shaq Barrett is better than Gregory.

    That’s a helluva good point.

  96. unbelievable Says:

    Seems to be there are a lot of readers on this site who don’t read very well… lol

  97. Simeon4HOF Says:

    Suh

  98. Rod Munch Says:

    Joe Says:
    April 3rd, 2024 at 11:51 pm
    Even a diminished Shaq Barrett is better than Gregory.

    That’s a helluva good point.

    ——

    I can’t find this info easily, but what was Shaq’s cap hit if the Bucs kept him and then cut him next year?

    I’m going to assume the Bucs move was mostly about that, since they didn’t get much cap relief this year – and they seem to be clearing up money for next season, since they’re going to have to pay Mayfield (if they keep him), Wirfs, Winfield, Godwin if he bounces back, etc. You can kick the ball down the road, but at some point, even doing that, you have to make some moves, and I think the Bucs know that Shaq was done. Nothing against him, he’s had a heck of career, and made a ton of money, but as Shaq said, he was never anything special as an athlete, and injuries plus age means he’s lost a half step – and that was enough to do him in.

    In any case, since Shaq is in the AFC, I hope he does have a bounce back year since he seems like a good guy.

  99. ^^mtn^^ Says:

    Simeon4HOF Says:
    April 4th, 2024 at 12:16 am
    Suh

    Suh, suh, sudio

  100. MadMax Says:

    Maybe hes got his stuff together…maybe he dont…a new team a new future. Nothing wrong with kicking the tires. I like this move. If it works, then great.

  101. Simeon4HOF Says:

    @ ^^mtn^^
    Dean does have a potentially new tree blazing partner. They can hang with Ricky Williams and do CB in Round 1 to the Bucs 2025 mock drafts

  102. Simeon4HOF Says:

    I juat had this terrible nightmare. The Bucs had signed a Randy Gregory coming off the Edge opposite America’s Pass Rusher Diaby

  103. HC Grover Says:

    He will make Plan 9 look better.

  104. Simeon4HOF Says:

    Might as well just trade up w AZ and draft Simeon Rice

  105. ^^mtn^^ Says:

    Simeon4HOF,

    Ricky Williams, now that was a wild ride.

    not sure if you’ll see this, comments been disappear

    ^^mtn^^

  106. BucU Says:

    Any guaranteed money involved in this signing? If not he may not even make the final roster.

  107. Pewter Power Says:

    I’m sure they’ll be good players on the board at 26 but a 1st round grade but a guaranteed day one starter? If there or an higher graded offensive lineman then take your chances in round 2. YaYa isn’t a first round pick. We should stop pretending that just because we know a name and he’s a good player that he’s worth using a first round pick ala JTS

  108. adam from ny Says:

    i think it all really comes down to how he fits into the system and the locker room…

    if he comes in and feels like a veteran leader somehow, with most of the edge guys being kinda young, he could miraculously assume somewhat of a quiet leadership roll within the room…you never know – it could happen…or he could fizzle out fast like a slab of camp meat…

    it’s really all about how a guy fits into the team and system sometimes…

    and how bad he wants it at this point in his career…

    they are just taking a roll of the dice here – seems like a decent move from that perspective because everyone knows we are in dire need at edge…

    they’ve literally opened the door to him and he can seize the moment or not…i guess the ball’s in his court

  109. Lord Cornelius Says:

    I mean can’t really hate on it unless it was big $$ but it’s probably close to league minimum.

    It’s weird how big a contract Denver gave him, and then 49ers actually still sent them a late draft pick to get him. For whatver reason this guy demands interest regardless of stats lol.

  110. catcard202 Says:

    Licht went dumpster diving & only found poop scrapings on the inside of an empty container.

  111. Tbbucs3 Says:

    This is a terrible take Joe, I will never complain about the Bucs adding a cheap pass rusher….it’s unrealistic to expect more at this time….the Bucs are looking for someone to fill the Carl Nassib void

    You mean we didnt sign Aaron Donald??? SHAME!

  112. Bucsalltheway Says:

    Think tanard Jackson minus the talent and same habits but at the DE position…I wanna cry right now this can’t be happening to us.

  113. RiggedNFL Says:

    Go woke, go broke. Classic DEI hire by TB. Losing philosophy at best.