Report: Buccaneers Discussing Contract Extension With DT Gerald McCoy

Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports that Buccaneers GM Jason Licht has been in contact with Gerald McCoy’s agent, Ben Dogra, regarding a long-term contract extension.

• Strout adds that an agreement can be reached before training camp starts. 

Buccaneers HC Lovie Smith previously mentioned that locking up Gerald McCoy long-term is a “priority” for the team.

McCoy, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is scheduled to make $12.7 million for the 2014 season and count $15.6 million against the team’s salary cap.

He’s coming off an outstanding season in which he produced 50 tackles and nine sacks, despite playing as an interior lineman for the Tampa Bay defense. 

Pro Football Focus has rated McCoy as the No.1 defensive tackle in the league by a wide margin. However, it will make sense for him to wait for Ndamukong Suh to sign an extension mainly because its widely expected that he’ll set the market for interior lineman.