Randy Gregory’s Contract Details With Bucs Emerge

In 2019, the Bucs signed outside linebacker Shaq Barrett to a one-year, prove-it deal worth $5 million and got a tremendous return on investment for the unheralded pass rusher. In his first year in Tampa Bay, Barrett emerged as a Pro Bowl sack artist, leading the NFL in sacks that year with 19.5, which set a new Bucs single-season record.

While Barrett was a former backup edge rusher in Denver and largely an unknown commodity as a former undrafted free agent, Randy Gregory is more of a household name. Gregory was a former second-round pick by Dallas in 2015, and spent his first five seasons with the Cowboys. He moved on to Denver in 2022 where he lasted just over a year before ending the 2023 season in San Francisco after being traded.

Another big difference between Barrett and Gregory is their age. Barrett came to the Bucs at age 27 – still in the prime of his career. Gregory is 31 and will turn 32 later this year. He is in the twilight of his career as a pass rusher, notching just 3.5 sacks last season between Denver and San Francisco.

Known for playing hard, the 6-foot-5, 242-pound brings size and experience to a Tampa Bay outside linebacker room that needs both after the departure of Barrett. Gregory was not necessarily signed to be a starter in Tampa Bay. But he will be competing with Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson for the right to start opposite YaYa Diaby this season. His signing does not preclude the Bucs from drafting another edge rusher, too. Yet it lessens the need to do so.

Gregory reunites with Bucs outside linebackers coach George Edwards, who was the Cowboys’ pass rush coach from 2020-22. Gregory has recorded 117 tackles, 22 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries in his seven-year NFL career. He also had an interception during the 2021 season where he also tied his career high with six sacks.

Gregory had seven pressures and a sack while with the Broncos last year and 18 pressures and 2.5 sacks with the 49ers.

With the Bucs having a very young outside linebacker room with three players entering their second season in the league in Diaby, Markees Watts and Jose Ramirez, it was important that the team sign an edge rusher like Gregory to replace the veteran presence that Barrett brought to the room.