There are few former Nebraska Football stars that have had a more up and down NFL career the way that Randy Gregory has. He entered the league looking like one of the best pass rushers of his generation. Then he had some issues with marijuana use that hamstrung the beginning of his professional career.
After finally being able to put that behind him, Gregory once again looked like one of the better rush ends in the league. He looked so good in fact that the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos got into a bit of a bidding war for his services in 2022. But since that bidding war, the ex-Nebraska Football star has turned into a bit of a journeyman.
That journey has led Randy Gregory to a new team for the 2024 season. It’s possible this could be the fresh start he so desperately needed. The veteran sack master is now officially a member of the Tampa Bay Buccanneers.
According to ESPN, the new deal with the Bucs is worth a base salary of $3 million. The contract also has incentives that could see Randy Gregory get paid to the tune of $5 million.
Welcome to Tampa, @RandyGregory_4 🏝️ pic.twitter.com/mcexiko5bS
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 4, 2024
Former Nebraska Football star finds new home in native state
Shortly after the signing, the native Floridian wanted to make sure people understood that it wasn’t just the money that convinced him to sign with Tampa. It also wasn’t being able to have a homecoming of sorts.
The biggest factor in Gregory choosing the Bucs was its head coach. He feels comfortable with Todd Bowles and has for quite a while now.
“I actually spoke with (Bowles), I remember, coming out of college during the draft and speaking with him a bunch,” Gregory said according to the Tampa Bay Times. “I loved his personality, loved his down-to-earth demeanor. (He is a) no-nonsense type of guy. I think I always thrive well when I work with coaches like that.”
Here’s hoping that the pass rush specialist can find a real home with his new squad. Bowle’s team is Gregory’s fourth in four years. After tying a career-high in sacks with 6 in 2021, he’s never really come close to hitting that number again.
The ex-Nebraska Football star could rejuvenate his career playing for a defensive-minded head coach. This teamup will be interesting to watch this fall.