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About the Author: Matt Matera
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After being released by the Bucs on May 20th, Gerald McCoy has signed with the division rival Carolina Panthers just two weeks later, per Adam Schefter. His deal is for one-year and worth around $8.5 million.
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 had a number of suitors after departing from the Bucs, which included the NFC North’s Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. He took visits to meet with the front offices of all three teams but ultimately decided on Carolina.
He will have to wait a year though before returning back to Tampa Bay, as the Bucs home game this year against the Panthers takes place in London. This does mean that he will face his former team twice this season.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network went on to mention that McCoy wanted to remain in the South, particularly in an area where he is more familiar.
One thing that became clear in this process: Gerald McCoy wanted to stay in the South, where it’s familiar, rather than Baltimore or Cleveland. Loved both teams, wasn’t sure about both cities. That and the chance to play against his former team twice…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 3, 2019
McCoy played nine seasons for the Bucs, and was a big fixture in the community along with notching 54.5 sacks, 218 tackles, and 79 tackles for loss in 123 games here.
