Report: Browns, Ravens considered favorites for potential Pats target Gerald McCoy
By Matt McCarthy, 985TheSportsHub.com
When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy last week, the Patriots were among the first teams rumored to be interested in his services.
But for now at least, it seems like the chances of McCoy ending up in Foxboro are diminishing.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Browns and the Ravens are considered the favorites to land McCoy after he visited Cleveland and Baltimore this week.
Free agent DT Gerald McCoy’s visit to the #Ravens has essentially ended, though his agent and the Baltimore brass will now speak to see if they can do a deal. At this point, it’s #Browns or #Ravens for McCoy. If the price isn’t right, McCoy could visit a third team.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 29, 2019
Rapoport went on to say that the Ravens are very interested in signing McCoy, but it remains to be seen if the two sides can agree on money. In an appearance on NFL Network, Rapoport added that the Carolina Panthers are monitoring the developments with McCoy’s market.
From Up to the Minute Live: The latest on free agent DT Gerald McCoy, who the #Ravens will try to sign... with a third team looming. pic.twitter.com/2h98xGzpIN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 29, 2019
It’s fair to wonder if the Patriots are being priced out of McCoy’s market. The Pats have just under $5 million in cap space available according to Miguel Benzan of The Boston Sports Journal.
McCoy was owed $13 million by the Bucs before his release.
The Patriots interest in McCoy was first reported by Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Adam Schefter of ESPN also suggested the Pats could look to bring McCoy in.
You can hear Matt McCarthy on various 98.5 The Sports Hub programs. Follow him on Twitter @MattMcCarthy985.
