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McCoy will take his first-ever free agency
visit with the Browns, and he informed other suitors of the
pecking order on Thursday.
McCoy, the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, was
released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday with three years
left on his contract. The deal called for him to make $13
million in base pay this season. The original contract was for
six years and $95.2 million.
Cleveland general manager John Dorsey confirmed he'd host McCoy
on Friday. Dorsey, speaking Thursday after organized team
activities, said he will continue to "turn over every rock." Of
McCoy, Dorsey said he is "a good player the Browns want to get
to know a little better."
Dorsey has been aggressive in stocking the Browns' roster,
including trades that brought in wide receivers Odell Beckham
Jr. and Jarvis Landry and defensive end Olivier Vernon.
According to reports, the Browns have been interested in adding
McCoy for months but didn't offer a draft pick in exchange
because they expected him to be released.
"These decisions are very difficult, personally and
professionally," Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said in
a statement when the team released McCoy. "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."
After the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud originally reported McCoy
was released, ESPN's Adam Schefter noted that the Bucs tried for
two months to find a trade partner, but when it was clear there
was none, the two sides "mutually parted ways."
The 31-year-old McCoy has been a pillar on otherwise subpar
defenses for most of his career in Tampa, earning six Pro Bowl
selections and tallying 54.5 sacks.
Earlier this month, McCoy voiced his displeasure with trade
rumors while skipping voluntary workouts.
"I will be playing football somewhere," McCoy told a local
reporter at the time. When asked where that would be, McCoy
said, "I don't know. We'll see."
--Field Level Media
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