Gregory, who never reported to training camp and missed two preseason games, was released after filing a lawsuit against the NFL and the Denver Broncos in June. The lawsuit, centered around alleged discrimination and the denial of the use of a prescribed medication, led to Gregory accumulating significant fines and eventually being placed on the reserve/did not report list by the Buccaneers.

Gregory’s brief stint with the Bucs, which included a one-year deal worth $3 million with additional incentives, ended without him ever stepping onto the field. Despite the potential impact of losing a player of Gregory’s caliber, Bowles made it clear that the team is more than prepared to move forward with their current roster.

“The outside backer position on defense probably has the most depth out of any position over there, so we’re very comfortable with the guys we have that’s playing and that’s backing them up right now,” said Bowles. His confidence is backed by strong preseason performances from the remaining linebackers. Jose Ramirez shined with three sacks against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Markees Watts also made his presence felt with a sack of his own.