Former 49ers DE Randy Gregory Signs With the Buccaneers

Pass rusher Randy Gregory will be a one and done with the 49ers now that he is signing with the Buccaneers.

Nov 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Randy Gregory (5) before | Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Another one-and-done midseason trade acquisition for the San Francisco 49ers.

Pass rusher Randy Gregory is signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. As of now, the details of the contract are unknown, but I would imagine it is at least a one-year deal given how late into free agency this signing is.

The 49ers acquired Gregory on Oct. 6 in Week 5 from the Denver Broncos for their 2024 sixth-round draft pick. A rather easy deal for the 49ers to make at the time. The hope with Gregory was that his presence can give the pass rush a nice boost.

Early on it wasn't looking as dominant as they are accustomed to. Part of that was the slow start from Nick Bosa, while the other was a lack of an impact opposite of him. Drake Jackson was never able to place a firm foothold as a starter after the first four games, so the 49ers looked to Gregory for help.

He ended up tallying 2.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits in 12 regular season games for the 49ers. A decent rotational player, but the 49ers were still lacking in the pass rushing department. That is why they ended up trading with the Washington Commanders for Chase Young.

Gregory was also fairly absent in the postseason. He didn't really make his mark until the Super Bowl, and even then it wasn't enough. Usually in-season trades for pass rushers pan out well for the 49ers, but 2023 it did not with both Gregory and Young.

Expect the 49ers to look for a cornerstone pass rusher in the draft.