The Panthers pulled off a coup in free agency today, signing coveted defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. McCoy had offers from the Browns and the Ravens, but in the end he decided to pick Carolina instead. McCoy says choosing the Panthers was about the fit and the chemistry and he seems to have a lot of faith in head coach Ron Rivera.
Here’s what McCoy had to say about his decision, per David Newton at ESPN.
“Carolina was a great fit for me. Being around the guys we just meshed & I love the instant chemistry we had. They have a tradition of having a great defense. I love the players & I believe in #1. Ron Rivera is a proven coach & can’t wait to get started.”
In related news, Jourdan Rodrigue at the Charlotte Observer reports several players had lunch with McCoy on Friday, including some team captains, which played a huge part in persuading him.
McCoy may be legitimately impressed by the Panthers’ chemistry. However, it’s hard not to believe that the prospect of two revenge games against his old team did not factor into his decision.
Buccaneers beat reporter Rick Stroud says McCoy texted him “see you Week 2,” which is when Carolina will face Tampa Bay first this coming season. The Panthers also meet the Buccaneers in London later in the year for their first international game in franchise history.
Tampa may have also poked the bear by giving McCoy’s old No. 93 to Ndamukong Suh.
Whatever McCoy’s true motives are is anybody’s guess. However, it’s pretty clear that money was not his No. 1 priority. According to Ian Rapoport at NFL Network, the Ravens offered McCoy twice as much guaranteed money as the Panthers.
McCoy might not put the Panthers on top, but it’s difficult to dispute that they now have one of the league’s best defensive lines.
