The Randy Gregory drama continues in Tampa Bay as the team gets closer and closer to cutting their losses with a trade. After a successful stint with the San Francisco 49ers, the Buccaneers signed him on a cost-effective one-year, $5 million deal. However, Tampa Bay has yet to see their newly-signed pass rusher on the field, as Gregory skipped mandatory minicamp and is still not present at training camp. The Buccaneers had no choice but to place him on the reserve/did not report list as tensions continue to rise between player and team.
It’s important to note that nobody knows why Gregory is doing this. Greg Auman of Fox Sports recently said there has been “no word” from Gregory’s camp to explain this extended absence. This probably isn’t contract-related, as Gregory agreed to terms earlier in the offseason and, frankly, isn’t good enough to demand a massive raise. It might be best for both sides to part ways, and the Ravens or Saints could agree to a low-risk trade for Randy Gregory.
Ravens, Saints Could Agree to Randy Gregory Trade
The Baltimore Ravens boast one of the most complete rosters in the league, but they’ll need to find a few diamonds in the rough if they want to match the highs of 2023. Baltimore made it to the AFC Championship Game last year but lost several crucial players who helped lead the way on that deep playoff run. Perhaps the biggest loss was pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, the former first-overall pick who recorded 9.5 sacks during his lone season with the Ravens.
With Clowney now in Carolina, the Ravens are banking on former first-round pick Odafe Oweh stepping into a full-time starting job. Oweh has the potential to get the job done, but the Ravens could still use more depth at the position. Seeing as they only have $5.4 million in available cap space, a Randy Gregory trade would be a smart, low-cost way to solidify a position of weakness. If Oweh is up for the challenges of starting, then Gregory can provide depth along with David Ojabo and third-round rookie Adisa Isaac. However, if Oweh is better in small doses, then Gregory could see a larger role in the defensive rotation.
Saints Building Depth
The New Orleans Saints must make the playoffs if head coach Dennis Allen wants to keep his job. After putting together one of the league’s best rosters during the final years of the Drew Brees Era, the Saints have continuously tried to run it back with endless contract restructures, rather than accept a rebuild. This strategy is the reason the team is currently projected to be $88 million over the 2025 salary cap despite being unable to make the playoffs since Brees called it a career.
The Saints have a league-average roster, but an extra pass rusher might be enough to help them win a weak NFC South. The Buccaneers normally wouldn’t trade within the division, but they might have no choice but to take any offer they can get for Randy Gregory. With Cam Jordan slowing down last year and Chase Young starting the offseason on the Physically Unable to Perform list, Gregory could find a home in New Orleans.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
