Patriots Reportedly Interested in Free Agent DT Gerald McCoy
By Ryan Flores
The New England Patriots are wasting no time with showing interest in a big-time free agent.
Former All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who was just released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is already getting some interest from the Super Bowl 53 champions.
News: The #Patriots have shown interest in signing former #Buccaneers All-Pro Gerald McCoy, per @NFLSTROUD who also adds McCoy may be willing to take a lesser salary in order to join a contender like the Patriots pic.twitter.com/BF1MIXZnV6
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 20, 2019
This makes absolute sense for both sides, as McCoy is likely looking to play for a contender, and the Patriots could use his services after Trey Flowers left in free agency to join the Detroit Lions.
However, the Patriots aren't exactly going to have an easy time signing him, as they have just $3.6 million in cap space left. They would need to find a way to free up some money since McCoy is likely not going to sign for that little amount of money, regardless of what team is calling.
DT Gerald McCoy released by Buccaneers; Tampa Bay decided against paying his $13 million salary for 2019, per @NFLSTROUD pic.twitter.com/xzz4FAATdB
— Bleacher Report NFL (@BR_NFL) May 20, 2019
McCoy is expected to have a lot of suitors, like the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns, with the latter showing interest prior to his release. Both teams have more cap space than the Pats, so if New England's interest in McCoy is real, they should probably get the ball rolling before one of these defensive powerhouses adds another top talent.
It would be a real shame to let the Browns pair McCoy with Myles Garrett or the Rams with Aaron Donald. Step on it, Bill Belichick!