A former second-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys is reportedly set to retire before the start of the 2024 regular season. The decision comes months after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released a player for not showing up

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Oct 3, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory (94) celebrates against the Carolina Panthers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles addressed the media regarding the team’s decision to release linebacker Randy Gregory. Per Jenna Laine of ESPN, Bowles said the team wouldn’t really miss Gregory since he did not show up to training camp this year after signing a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Buccaneers in April:

“I’ll never find out (why Gregory never showed), but I wish him the best and we’ll move on from there,” Bowles said via Jenna Laine of ESPN. “Can’t miss what you never had.”

Randy Gregory filed a lawsuit against the NFL in June

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Oct 3, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory (94) reacts after a penalty in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Per the ESPN report, Gregory did not show up after he filed a lawsuit against the league and the Denver Broncos in June:

“In [the lawsuit], Gregory claimed that the league and team denied him the use of the drug dronabinol, which is prescribed to Gregory by a doctor for the treatment of social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress and resulted in Gregory accumulating $500,000 in fines.”

The Buccaneers placed Gregory on the reserve/did not report list in July.

Gregory missed a lot of time with the Dallas Cowboys

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Dec 3, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Randy Gregory (5) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Gregory’s time in Dallas was notable for all the time the 2015 second-round pick missed. He was suspended multiple times for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Per Aaron Wilson with KPRC, Gregory plans to retire from the league. Clarence Hill Jr. notes Gregory was suspended for more games than he played in.

Gregory was a talented player but couldn’t stay on the field. He appeared in 61 games and started in 18. During his time in the league, he recorded 109 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, one interception, and ten forced fumbles.