View some of the best photos of DT Gerald McCoy from his career with the Bucs.
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium on September 17, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 29-7. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 17: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium on September 17, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 29-7. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 1: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 25-23. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 17: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on August 17, 2017, in Jacksonville, Florida. The Buccaneers won 12-8. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium on November 12, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 15-10. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 1: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pressures Eli Manning during the game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on October 1, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 25-23. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium on November 12, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 15-10. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 19, 2017, in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Buccaneers won 30-20. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 3: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 3, 2017, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Buccaneers lost 26-20. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 22-19. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 3: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 3, 2017, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Buccaneers lost 26-20 in overtime. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Buccaneers lost 22-19. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 34-21. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
MIAMI, FL - AUGUST 09, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, FL. The Buccaneers won 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 18, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. The Buccaneers won 30-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 24, 2018 - Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 33-30. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 14, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. The Buccaneers lost 34-29. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 reacts after a play during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 30-27. Photo By Logan Bowles.
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 30-27. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 04, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. The Buccaneers lost 42-28. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 celebrates a sack during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 18, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. The Buccaneers won 30-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during introductions of the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-21. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 24, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 33-30. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 24, 2018 - Defensive End William Gholston #92, Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 33-30. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 09, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. The Buccaneers won 48-40. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 09, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 and Saints Quarterback Drew Brees during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. The Buccaneers won 48-40. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Buccaneers lost 48-10. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 11, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 16-3. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 18, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. The Buccaneers lost 38-35. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 and Warren Sapp before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 30-27. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 09, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 28-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 25, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 27-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 02, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 24-17. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 02, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers won 24-17. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 11, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 16-3. Photo By Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 34-32. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 23, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. The Buccaneers lost 27-20. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 16, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. The Buccaneers lost 20-12. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 34-32. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 34-32. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30, 2018 - Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. The Buccaneers lost 34-32. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 10th-year defensive tackle Gerald McCoy have mutually parted ways.
The agreement comes with three years remaining on the contract McCoy signed with the Buccaneers in October of 2014. This was the first year that he could be released without the team incurring "dead money" against the salary cap, and the move will add significantly to the team's flexibility under that cap.
"These decisions are very difficult, personally and professionally," said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht. "Over the past nine years, Gerald has been a cornerstone of this franchise and a leader in our community. Parting ways with a player and person such as Gerald is one of the toughest responsibilities of this job. We wish Gerald, along with his wife, Ebony, and the entire McCoy family continued success and thank them for everything they have meant to our organization and community."
McCoy, 31, departs as one of the most decorated players in franchise history. The third-overall pick in the 2010 draft, he was selected for the Pro Bowl for six straight seasons from 2012-17. Those six all-star selections are tied for the third-most in team annals; only Hall-of-Famers Derrick Brooks (11) and Warren Sapp (seven) had more.
Like Sapp, McCoy provided consistent pressure up the middle, as his 54.5 career sacks rank fourth in Buccaneer history. McCoy posted a career-best 9.5 sacks in 2013 but had at least six in each of the last six years.
The departure of McCoy also continues a very significant wave of changes to the Tampa Bay defense. The arrival of Head Coach Bruce Arians and Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles brings a new scheme, including a base 3-4 alignment, something the Buccaneers last employed as their primary defense in 1990. The Bucs also dipped into free agency to acquire edge rusher Shaq Barrett and versatile linebacker/safety Deone Bucannon, then reloaded in the NFL Draft with six of their eight draft picks devoted to defense, including first-round pick Devin White.
"I know Gerald has done a lot of good things on and off the football field in Tampa during his time here," Head Coach Bruce Arians said. "You hate to see good football players go, but this is a decision that we felt needed to be made in order to allow us, and Gerald, the ability to move forward. Gerald is a class-act and I wish him the best."
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, McCoy has been active in the Tampa Bay community. In 2018 he and his wife, Ebony, launched the Patricia Diane Foundation, named after McCoy's late mother. McCoy was later selected as the Buccaneers' Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for his work through the foundation to help provide low-income single parents with resources for their children.
