The Baltimore Ravens or Carolina Panthers may sign former second-round pick linebacker, Randy Gregory before the upcoming regular season. According to a report, the Buccaneers are moving on from the veteran since the linebacker has been a “no show” at training camp after not appearing at all to practice with the team. Todd Bowles and the team are still in the dark about why Gregory didn’t show up but it isn’t bothering him since they can’t miss what they never had. Gregory has a lot to take care of before any roster will probably give him a new opportunity after filing a lawsuit against the NFL and Broncos over alleged discrimination in June.
He had originally signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers this offseason but Tampa Bay isn’t seeing him on the field. Last season, it was a different time for Gregory since he was able to play 12 games for the 49ers after a trade from Denver. He was able to lead them to a Super Bowl after accumulating three sacks, and 20 tackles where six of those are for a loss. Tampa Bay was hoping that Gregory would help their defense but when he’s ready to come without distractions then he could probably provide an upside to anyone’s roster that needs it.
The Ravens still need a legitimate linebacker to help alongside Roquan Smith after Patrick Queen bolted for the Bengals. Gregory was in a trade rumor last month that involves the Ravens so now Baltimore has the chance to sign him now that he’s a free agent. He could keep the Ravens consistent in their pass rush since he may be a rare diamond in the rough. However, the Panthers may need some insurance behind Jadeveon Clowney to help alongside Shaq Thompson.
Ravens, Panthers May Sign Former Second Round Pick Randy Gregory
Other Possible Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
Eric Kendricks is a good start to get the defense moving for the Cowboys after losing Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong in their pass rush. No one knows if Dallas would be willing to bring back Gregory since they have bad blood after his comments since leaving the team. However, Jerry Jones has always been the type to give players plenty of chances and that’s what he gave Gregory after all the suspensions he’s been through. The Cowboys may be able to put the past in the past and bring him back if it means improving the defense.
This is why guys like Jordan Phillips and Carl Lawson are coming in as quick cheap free agents to help the pass rush. Gregory knows more about the system and can easily become the starter if these two guys lack when trying to get after the quarterback.
Kansas City Chiefs
Nick Bolton has a promising future with the defense but with L’Jarius Sneed gone, they need someone with veteran experience to put pressure on the opposing team. Sneed is a cornerback but he was able to pressure the quarterback in situational plays so someone like Gregory could be like a running bulldozer to get after the offense. Guys like Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal need a couple more years before they can get more experience and Gregory could be the perfect fit for it.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers may have one of the worst offenses right now even though Justin Herbert is still a top-5 quarterback in the league. However, the only way to give them a fighting chance is to add a bolstering defense to clean up the offense’s mistakes. It would give Herbert more reps on the field where most of the new weapons and regime under Jim Harbaugh could develop faster. They have Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa coming back for that reason but none of these players are lasting for more than three years since eventually one or two will demand an expensive contract extension.
