Report: Buccaneers, Gerald McCoy begin contract negotiations

Dec 8, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle

(93) against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy told the Bucs that he didn’t intend to hold out of training camp in his search for an extension, the Bucs didn’t waste anytime getting the ball rolling on that deal. According to ProFootballTalk.com, Tampa Bay General Manager, Jason Licht, reached out to McCoy‘s Agent Ben Dogra to start the talks of an extension.

This news is on the heels of Detroit Lions star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh wanting an extension, so this could be a race for who will set the bar this offseason for the defensive tackle market. Last season, the Bengals and their defensive tackle Geno Atkins reached a 5-year $55 million contract, so it is safe to say both Suh and McCoy are looking for something a bit higher.

McCoy has the play to back up such a lofty contract request, though. McCoy, who was drafted in 2010, has been a stud on the Tampa Bay line since he came into the league. Last season, McCoy made the Pro-Bowl after posting 50 tackles and 9.5 sacks. He is also one of the team captains for the Bucs. It is one thing for a player to have such success on the field, but off the field McCoy doesn’t bring the same kind of “extra baggage” that players like Suh brings to the table. This could work greatly in McCoy’s favor. It has to be money well spent if you are Licht; you get a star on and off the field, and it would seem that McCoy will get his extension before the new season starts.