Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer and recently released defensive tackle Gerald McCoy would make a lot of sense for the rising Cleveland Browns defense.
Even before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Gerald McCoy there were whispers about the talented defensive tackle ending up in Cleveland. Now that McCoy has been released it appears more likely. The Browns need to bolster their defensive line and McCoy wants to come play for a contender. There is not a more exciting team on the rise than the Cleveland Browns and both parties would benefit from this partnership.
McCoy would be in the mix at the defensive tackle position with two other productive starters, Larry Ogunjobi and Sheldon Richardson. This trio of stout defensive tackles would take the Cleveland defense to the next level. A signing such as this is the type of signing that contending teams always seem to make. Reaching out to a talented, but expensive players after his release and agreeing to a deal. This is literally playing out in real time. The New England Patriots have interest in McCoy and that alone should tell you that his services are indeed valued quite highly.
Defensive line depth is key
Defensive line depth is highly valuable. Currently the Browns have some great starters but not a whole lot after that. Adding more talent to the line will only make the Browns defense that much better. When the starters tire it is crucial to have productive players come in albeit temporarily. If those replacement players are not good, the opponent will target them almost instantly.
Having quality players coming in off the bench can make a difference over the course of the season. This will limit the overall volume of snaps the starters play and protects the team against injury. An endless supply of excellent defensive line play will tire out an offense. This strategy is what helped the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl in 2018. Philadelphia’s defensive line and pass rush was the heart of the defense and made the secondary’s job that much easier. If Cleveland can replicate anything close to that it will take the Browns defense to a level not seen in a very long time. Bringing in Gerald McCoy may be just the way to do that.
Update
Gerald McCoy visited the Cleveland Browns but left without a deal. However this does not mean all that much since the plan for McCoy was to leave to visit the Baltimore Ravens per Rick Stroud.
Visiting another team does not mean that he will sign there. There is nothing wrong with a player keeping a commitment that has been made prior. Also worth noting that the work John Dorsey has done to transform the Browns roster will be a huge selling point. Stroud also points this out in another tweet.
Until Gerald McCoy signs with another team the Cleveland Browns are still in play. No need to panic about him leaving Cleveland without a deal at this moment in time.
