Browns Head Coach Freddie Kitchens Reportedly Had Dinner With Gerald McCoy

After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were unable to find a trade partner willing to take on his $13 million contract, Gerald McCoy was cut from the organization earlier this week, leaving the six-time NFL Pro Bowler looking for a new franchise to call home for the first time in his illustrious nine-year career.

While it may be unsettling to not have a secure job, nearly a third of the league has emerged as potential suitors for McCoy, including the Cleveland Browns. The 300-pound defensive tackle plans to visit the Browns on Friday and even shared a meal with head coach Freddie Kitchens on Thursday night.

Source says #Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens had plans for dinner with free agent DT Gerald McCoy last night. As I also mentioned on NFL Live yesterday, McCoy told me over the phone, he feels reinvigorated physically by his vegan lifestyle.
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 24, 2019

Browns general manager John Dorsey stated that the meeting will be an opportunity to see if signing McCoy would be the right fit for both sides.

"It's a chance for us to kind of get a chance to meet each other, one on one, and let's find out who Gerald is," Dorsey said. "It also gives Gerald a chance to see who the Cleveland Browns are and what direction we're headed."

Former Buccaneers' DT Gerald McCoy wants to sign with a playoff contender, and of course make money. But he wants to win. Spots that would make sense include the Browns, the Patriots, the Chargers, the Jaguars, and the Cowboys amongst others.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 20, 2019

McCoy would already have a friendly face on the coaching staff in offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who spent three seasons in Tampa Bay and endorses the Browns' interest in the veteran tackle.

"I think a lot of Gerald," Monken said. "Gerald has had a tremendous career and was an outstanding football player for us. He's a great person."

Cleveland has already significantly improved their roster with the additions of Odell Beckham Jr., Olivier Vernon, and Sheldon Richardson in the offseason, and adding McCoy would only further their chances of playoff contention.