Gerald McCoy could be latest star player to invade AFC North
Could the Pittsburgh Steelers end up facing the hottest NFL free agent twice a season in 2019?
Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who was surprisingly cut loose by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers less than two weeks ago, may find a future in the AFC North after wrapping up visits with the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns.
NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that McCoy will decide between the Ravens and Browns – unless a third team enters with a competitive contract offer.
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
McCoy visited Cleveland first, but left the Browns without a contract. He concluded a two-day visit with the Ravens on Wednesday.
A six-time Pro Bowl selection, McCoy reportedly wants to play for a contender. The Ravens unseated the Steelers atop the AFC North last season, and the Browns are the trendy pick to win the division in 2019.
In three games against the Steelers in his nine-year career, McCoy has 1.5 sacks. He had a half sack in Week 3 last season when the Steelers played the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
The Browns have $32.7 million in salary cap space, while the Ravens are about $13.5 million under the salary cap.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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