Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s no secret the Oakland Raiders need pass rush help. In 2018 the team had just 13 sacks, far and away the lowest in the league. Every other team had at least 30.
By adding Ferrell, the team is attempting to bolster that measly sack total. During his time at Clemson, Ferrell racked up 27 sacks including 11.5 his senior season.
While one side of the Raiders’ defensive line is taking care of, the inside is still a mystery. Sophomores Maurice Hurst and PJ Hall should be given an opportunity while Johnathan Hankins is also lined up for a starting role. Those three combined for just four sacks, all four coming from Hurst.
The team needs a strong interior defender to pair with Hurst. Adding a veteran pass rusher to Ferrell, Hurst and left end Arden Key has the makings of a defensive line on the rise.
Buccaneers’ defensive lineman Gerald McCoy looks to be on the way out in Tampa Bay and could fit nicely with the Raiders. McCoy skipped the team’s voluntary workouts, likely because of the apparent rift between team and player.
Once again, Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is not present for this week's offseason workouts. He's been training in California. Jameis Winston said they continue to talk. "We definitely miss him and we love him." https://t.co/uWfrzl5pJw
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) April 9, 2019
Furthermore, there have been reports that the Cleveland Browns are interested via trade. If he is on the trade block and no team is willing to take on his $13 million salary, he could be released.
McCoy regressed a little bit in 2018, but still put up 28 tackles with six sacks and 21 quarterback hits. It was his first year since 2012 not making the Pro Bowl. Perhaps a change of scenery would allow him to return to his old ways.
If McCoy were to become a free agent, signing with the Raiders would allow him to reunite with his former defensive line coach Brentson Buckner. Buckner served as the defensive line coach for the Bucs for one season. If the two connected, that connection could lead to a reunion in Oakland.
Adding McCoy gives the Raiders a solid veteran presence at every level. McCoy up front, Burfict and Marshall at linebacker and Joyner at safety. As the team looks to build their defense of the future, having veteran cogs is key.
Adding McCoy not only would boost the team’s sack total, but give the Raiders’ young defensive lineman a strong veteran to gravitate towards and learn from.
