The inevitable occurred late Monday evening as the Buccaneers parted ways with long-time veteran Gerald McCoy.

Bucs DT Gerald McCoy – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Soon after the news broke, the team released a statement about the decision to release the second longest tenured Buc.

“These decisions are very difficult, personally and professionally,” Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht said. “Over the past nine years, Gerald has been a cornerstone of this franchise and a leader in our community. Parting ways with a player and person such as Gerald is one of the toughest responsibilities of this job. We wish Gerald, along with his wife, Ebony, and the entire McCoy family continued success and thank them for everything they have meant to our organization and community.”

Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians added: “I know Gerald has done a lot of good things on and off the football field in Tampa during his time here. You hate to see good football players go, but this is a decision that we felt needed to be made in order to allow us, and Gerald, the ability to move forward. Gerald is a class-act and I wish him the best.”