x
Breaking News
More () »

Gerald McCoy sweepstakes down to Browns, Ravens and Panthers

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the race to sign Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is reportedly between the Browns, Ravens and Panthers.

It's been more than a week since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers parted ways with Gerald McCoy.

And thus far, the six-time selection remains unsigned.

But after spending the better part of the past two days visiting with the Baltimore Ravens, it appears McCoy is close to make a decision on where he'll be playing next. And the Cleveland Browns have made the final cut.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, McCoy's post-Memorial Day visit with the Ravens has concluded, with the defensive standout's agent now engaged in negotiations with the team. That doesn't, however, mean McCoy has ruled out signing with the Browns, who he has remained in contact with since his visit to Cleveland last week.

Credit: Jason Behnken
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) celebrates an interception by defensive back Andrew Adams during the first half of a game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, December 2, 2018.

Although the Browns and Ravens currently appear to be the finalists to sign McCoy, there's still time for a third team to emerge. Should neither Cleveland nor Baltimore meet his price, it appears a visit to the Carolina Panthers could be in order.

"Don't be surprised if he takes a third visit," Rapoport said. "The Carolina Panthers, who do have a need at defensive tackle, have been lurking. They have been monitoring. They are interested in Gerald McCoy. No firm word yet on if he is scheduled to visit there."

Although Cleveland signed Sheldon Richardson to a three-year, $37 million deal to pair alongside Larry Ogunjobi earlier this offseason, signing McCoy would add one of football's most accomplished interior pass-rushers to what's already an impressive defensive line.

"He's a good player," Browns general manager John Dorsey told reporters last week, as he confirmed McCoy's Friday visit. "Like I have always told all of you, I will turn over every stone.

Credit: Jason Behnken
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, November 25, 2018.

"It's a chance for us to meet each other one-on-one. Let's find out who Gerald is and let's give Gerald a chance to see who the Cleveland Browns are and the direction we're headed. With regards to his ability to play football, he can still play the game of football."

The No. 3 pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, the 31-year-old McCoy has spent the entirety of his nine-year career in Tampa Bay. In 123 regular season games, the Oklahoma product has amassed 296 tackles, 79 of which have come for a loss and 54.5 sacks, including 28 tackles, 6 of which came for a loss and 6 sacks in 14 games in 2018.

Before You Leave, Check This Out