Less than a month before NFL training camps kick off, former Washington Huskies star defensive tackle Greg Gaines is still out there, searching for a team. Can you believe it? A player with his resume, just hanging out. It feels wild.
Three Years, One-Year Deals, And A Bucs Farewell
Gaines spent the last three years down in Tampa Bay, racking up 1,237 snaps over 49 games for the Buccaneers. He wasn't just riding the pine either; he put in work. Over those three seasons, he tallied 64 tackles, pulled down 5 for loss, got 4 sacks, and even snagged a fumble recovery. He was playing next to his college teammate, Vita Vea, holding it down. In 2025, he really stepped up, filling a crucial role when former first-round pick Calijah Kancey missed 14 games because of a torn pectoral muscle. But here's the kicker: Gaines played on one-year deals his entire time in the NFC South. And it looks like that chapter is closed. Tampa Bay decided to ink defensive tackles A'Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches to similar deals, and with Vea currently holding out for a new contract, a reunion just isn't in the cards.A Super Bowl Champ Looking For His Next Home
Let's not forget what this guy brings to the table. Gaines, originally a fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Rams, isn't just a body; he's a proven winner. He was a key piece of that defensive front that won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams, playing right alongside three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. Think about that pedigree! Over his seven NFL seasons, he's played in 108 games, 117 if you count the playoffs, and put up some serious numbers: 186 career tackles, 16 for loss, and 14.5 sacks. That's a sturdy presence up front. Any team looking for depth in the middle, a guy who can eat up space and defend the run, would be smart to look his way. He's a strong veteran addition, a high-floor option in a position where injuries stack up fast. So, what's next for Gaines? It really feels like it's only a matter of time before some team snaps him up. The New York Giants are definitely a potential option to watch. They traded All-Pro Dexter Lawrence during the offseason, and then veteran Roy Robertson-Harris went down with a torn Achilles in early June. Talk about a perfect fit for a guy who can step in and make an immediate impact. Gaines could absolutely fill that void.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.