TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released star defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.
According to the Bucs' website, the team mutually parted ways with 6-time Pro Bowler Monday night.
We have mutually parted ways with DT Gerald McCoy.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) May 20, 2019
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Bucs general manager Jason Licht said decisions like these are very difficult.
"Over the past nine years, Gerald has been a cornerstone of this franchise and a leader in our community," Licht said in the Bucs' website. "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 31-year-old played nine seasons in Tampa Bay and was selected to the Pro Bowl in six consecutive seasons from 2012 to 2017.
The longtime Buccaneer recorded 54.5 sacks and 296 combined tackles in 123 games.
In the end, #Bucs get nothing in return for McCoy except for shedding his $13 million in cap space. But clearing that money is still HUUUGGE (Insert Kia guy voice). GM Jason Licht had been trying to trade McCoy for months & clearly never found a deal he liked or any real takers.
— John Sabol (@John_Sabol) May 20, 2019
Prior to his release, McCoy was supposed to make $13,000,000 in base salary for the 2019 season, according to Sportrac. The Bucs have tried to trade McCoy for months but Licht never found a deal he liked.
