Browns showing interest in DT McCoy

The Cleveland Browns are interested in signing defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.

McCoy, the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday with three years left on his contract. The deal called for him to make $13 million in base pay this season. The original contract was for six years and $95.2 million.

"These decisions are very difficult, personally and professionally," Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said in a statement. "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."

General manager John Dorsey has been aggressive in stocking the Browns' roster, including trades that brought in wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry and defensive end Olivier Vernon.

After the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud originally reported McCoy was released, ESPN's Adam Schefter noted that the Bucs tried for two months to find a trade partner, but when it was clear there was none, the two sides "mutually parted ways."

The 31-year-old McCoy has been a pillar on otherwise subpar defenses for most of his career in Tampa, earning six Pro Bowl selections and tallying 54.5 sacks.

Earlier this month, McCoy voiced his displeasure with trade rumors while skipping voluntary workouts.

"I will be playing football somewhere," McCoy told a local reporter at the time. When asked where that would be, McCoy said, "I don't know. We'll see."

--Field Level Media