Gerald McCoy has finally chosen a new home. And it’s good news if you’re a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers (and I’m guessing you are). McCoy will reportedly sign a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal will be worth up to $10.25 million.
Panthers are giving DT Gerald McCoy a one-year deal worth up to $10.25 million that includes a $4 million signing bonus, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2019
Schefter went on to explain that Carolina peeled him away from signing with the Ravens. The ultimate argument was a chance to play against his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs released McCoy then gave Ndkamukong Suh similar money, not to mention his #93 jersey.
Gerald McCoy left Baltimore thinking he very well might sign there. But Carolina wowed him on his visit; Cam Newton helped recruit McCoy big time, per source. To cap it off, McCoy gets to play his former Bucs team that released him and gave his No. 93 to Ndamukong Suh. Personal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2019
Ian Rapoport provided full contract details.
The full breakdown of Gerald McCoy’s deal with the #Panthers: 1 year, $4M to sign, $3M base, $500K camp roster bonus, $500K in 45-man per game bonus. Plus, 6.5 sacks for $500k, 8 sacks gets him $1.5M. 250K for Pro Bowl, $250K for playoffs. Just $4M guaranteed. Total: Up $10.25M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 3, 2019
McCoy first two visits were with Cleveland and Baltimore and it would’ve been reasonable to sign with either of those two teams, playoff contenders themselves. Choosing Carolina is good news from the Steelers’ perspective. McCoy has still been a disruptive force for years and would’ve bolstered a Cleveland team on the rise and reinforced an already strong Ravens’ defensive line.
The Steelers played the NFC South last year so unless these two teams meet in the Super Bowl, Pittsburgh will get to avoid McCoy. They’ll of course see each other in the preseason finale, not that McCoy or any notable Steeler starter will see action in that one. Against the Steelers last year, McCoy picked up half a sack and a pair of QB hits. The Steelers hung on to win that one, 30-27 as Tampa slogged their way to a 5-11 record.
For his career, McCoy has recorded 54.5 sacks in 123 career starts. He made six straight Pro Bowls from 2012 to 2017 before seeing that streak broken last year, where a calf injury limited him throughout the year.
