The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, the team announced Sunday.
The 31-year-old had three years left on his current contract and was owed $13 million this season that will not count towards the team’s salary cap. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Buccaneers were trying to trade McCoy for two months before deciding to mutually part ways.
Schefter also reports that the Oklahoma native is looking to join a contender, with the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys among his potential suitors.
“These decisions are very difficult, personally and professionally,” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said in a statement. “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.”
The former third overall pick from the 2010 draft spent the past nine seasons with Tampa Bay, recording 297 tackles and 54.5 sacks in 123 career games.
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