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Tampa Bay Buccaneers release 6-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy

McCoy played for Buccaneers since 2010
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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.

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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.

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.