Count Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen as one of the ecstatic players over the signing of Gerald McCoy.
Olsen reacted to a tweet from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter saying McCoy is signing with the Panthers on Monday.
https://t.co/RYFb7wIscw pic.twitter.com/KK5M0JmqyC
— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) June 3, 2019
Schefter told ESPN's David Newton on June 2 McCoy will sign a one-year deal with Carolina worth up to $10.25 million. This includes a $4 million signing bonus.
According to Newton, the Panthers cleared $7.5 million in cap space on Saturday after the Panthers released offensive tackle, Matt Kalil, almost three months ago. They cleared an additional $2 million in cap space after wide receiver Torrey Smith took a pay cut. These moves allowed Carolina to sign the 31-year-old McCoy.
McCoy first visited the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens before coming to Charlotte to visit the Panthers on Thursday. McCoy thought he was going to sign with the Ravens. However, “Carolina wowed him on his visit and quarterback Cam Newton helped recruit McCoy,” per ESPN.
Ex-Bucs DT McCoy chooses to play for Panthers – via @ESPN App https://t.co/k3wdPPCHtM
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) June 3, 2019
McCoy also explained to ESPN's Josina Anderson via a text message (via the Charlotte Observer's Marcel Louis-Jacques) why he chose Carolina in the end.
Carolina was a great fit for me. Being around the guys we just meshed & I love the instant chemistry we had.
They hv tradition of having a great defense. I love the players & I believe in #1. (Panthers head coach Ron) Rivera is a proven coach & can't wait to get started.
McCoy joins a Panthers team transitioning to a 3-4 defensive alignment. He fortifies a Carolina front line which already features Pro Bowlers Donatri Poe and Kawann Short.
Olsen and his teammates can now celebrate: six-time Pro Bowler McCoy is now a Carolina Panther.
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