The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. The situation had been brewing as the offseason continued to carry on, as it was widely reported that McCoy was unhappy with his contract, with none of his $13 million salary guaranteed for the 2019 season.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter mentioned the Browns as a potential landing spot for McCoy, who is looking to sign with a playoff contender. Schefter also mentioned the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys, among others.
Per Steve Doerschuk of The Canton Rep in late April, Browns GM John Dorsey could make a play for McCoy, as Dorsey has been aggressive all offseason. Browns legendary LT Joe Thomas told Doerschuk, “I’d have to pinch myself” if Dorsey would be able to land McCoy on top of the additions so far, like star WR Odell Beckham Jr., Olivier Vernon and Sheldon Richardson.
While playing time may be a concern with other options like Larry Ogunjobi and Richardson, adding a player of McCoy’s caliber to the interior of the Browns defensive line would be instrumental to the defense’s success. A rotation of McCoy, Ogunjobi and Richardson would be tremendous.
McCoy was rated as a better run defender last season by Pro Football Focus (81.1 vs. run, 66.6 pass rushing), but with a loaded front of Myles Garrett, Vernon, Ogunjobi and Richardson, offenses would be forced to pick their poison. Another added benefit would be the lessening of the workload on younger players, like Garrett and Ogunjobi.
McCoy would bring experience to a young defense and make the overall defensive line arguably one of the best in the league. Make no mistake — if McCoy comes aboard, Ben Roethlisberger, Andy Dalton and Lamar Jackson are going to have to be on high alert.
