The suspense is finally over: Gerald McCoy is signing with the Carolina Panthers.
No less than ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted the news on Monday, June 3.
Former Buccaneers’ DT Gerald McCoy is signing with the Carolina Panthers, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2019
The Panthers will sign McCoy to a one-year deal worth roughly $8.5 million, per Schefter.
Panthers are giving former Buccaneers’ DT Gerald McCoy a one-year deal, per sources. It is likely to be worth about $8.5 million, per sources. https://t.co/LIE2DOC8wi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2019
McCoy will help a Panthers team making the switch from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4 alignment. According to ESPN's David Newton, McCoy met with Carolina's coaching staff and management in Charlotte on Thursday.
The Panthers had an additional $7.5 million in cap space available on Saturday. This comes after they released offensive tackle Matt Kalil on March 14. The available cap space made it possible for Carolina to sign McCoy.
McCoy has kept fans in suspense regarding his next stop. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released him on May 20 after a nine-year stint (all with the Bucs). Aside from the Panthers, McCoy also visited the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns.
The 31-year-old McCoy hasn't tasted postseason football in his nine-year NFL career. He has made it clear he wants to play for a contender. The Panthers won just seven games last season. They also missed the postseason for the second time in the last three years. McCoy can help Carolina become a contender again.
BREAKING: @Panthers signing veteran DT Gerald McCoy. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/oMYTrLLNWk
— NFL (@NFL) June 3, 2019
When Newton asked Panthers head coach Ron Rivera if McCoy can help the defense, he said, “A guy with his ability could help most certainly.”
Now, McCoy suits up for a Panthers team he terrorized for nine years as a member of the Bucs. He fortifies a Carolina defense which features Luke Kuechly, Bruce Irvin, and Dontari Poe.
Welcome to the Carolina Panthers, Gerald McCoy.
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