Free agent defensive tackle Gerald McCoy has agreed to sign with the Carolina Panthers despite strong overtures from the Cleveland Browns. This according to a report late Monday afternoon from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
McCoy kicked off his free agent tour in Cleveland two weeks ago with considerable fanfare. The Browns themselves produced a press release heralding McCoy’s visit, an unusual gesture.
But the former Buccaneers standout was determined to investigate all his options as a free agent for the first time. McCoy visited with the Ravens on Tuesday and the meeting carried over into Wednesday morning, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. The 6-time Pro Bowler then took time to meet with the Panthers for two days.
McCoy does have the chance for a much meatier role in Carolina than what he would get in Cleveland. The Browns have established starters in prized free agent Sheldon Richardson and promising young Larry Ogunjobi at DT already. The Panthers have a very good player in K.K. Short but a need for help up front as they transition to a new defense. Signing with the Panthers also gives McCoy the chance to stick it to his old team with a division rival.
