Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 best moves made this offseason

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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 12: Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blows a kiss to the crowd following the Buccaneers’ 15-10 win over the New York Jets at an NFL football game on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

4. The cutting of Gerald McCoy

It had to be done. Whether the community of Tampa Bay likes it or not, a team strapped for cash as the Buccaneers could no longer afford the salary of $13 million for a 32 year old defensive tackle.

By cutting Gerald McCoy, the Buccaneers cleared just enough cap space to sign all of their draft picks (they have not yet), and gave themselves a little breathing room up against the cap. While McCoy still played at a relatively high level last year, the financial burden did not match the cost to retain his services.

He finishes his time in Tampa Bay as a six-time Pro Bowler and a one time All-Pro. McCoy tallied a total of 54.5 sacks and 79 tackles for loss, while pressuring opposing quarterbacks an astounding 140 times in nine seasons with the Buccaneers.

McCoy will be remembered for his time in Tampa Bay and will undoubtedly find himself in the Buccaneers’ Ring of Honor one day, but the divorce was only a matter of time. Because of the financial release the Buccaneers experienced from the cut of McCoy, this move comes in at number four.

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