Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is one of the longest-tenured players in recent franchise history. McCoy was drafted third overall back in 2010, and he's been with the team ever since. Unfortunately, it continues to sound like that run could be coming to an end.
McCoy is entering the final year of his deal, and speculation continues to build that the Bucs will either trade or cut McCoy. New Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles didn't do much to tamp down that speculation when he met with the press Wednesday, per JoeBucsFan.com.
When asked if he wanted McCoy as part of his defense, Bowles said “that’s above my pay grade.” While Bowles sidestepping the question isn't shocking, it's the latest indicator the team will be moving on.
Tampa has reportedly been shopping McCoy hard, but hasn't been able to find a deal they like yet. The Oklahoma product is set to earn $13 million in 2019, which the Buccaneers apparently feel is too hefty of a price. McCoy has been staying away from the team's offseason program due to their reluctance to back him.
One of the league's best defensive linemen for several years in the 2010s, McCoy's play has slipped a little bit lately. Still, he made the Pro Bowl as recently as 2017 and can definitely still provide an impact to a team in need of help along the defensive line. He's also played through significant injuries like a torn biceps the past couple of seasons, which have probably slowed him down.
If McCoy, a three-time All-Pro, is fully healthy, he's more than capable of contributing for a team. It'll be very interesting to see where he ends up.
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