NFL free agency rumors: Gerald McCoy’s short list includes Browns, Ravens

Kirstie Chiappelli

NFL free agency rumors: Gerald McCoy’s short list includes Browns, Ravens image

Gerald McCoy appears to be eyeing the AFC North.

According to Cleveland.com, which cited an unidentified league source, the veteran defensive tackle has the Browns and Ravens on his short list of teams that he’s intrigued by, and the Bengals could also be in the mix.

Browns general manager John Dorsey confirmed part of that report shortly afterward, telling reporters McCoy will visit Cleveland on Friday. 

Of the teams with mutual interest, McCoy is "strongly considering" Cleveland and Baltimore in addition to "three or four teams" that he could sign with "in a week or two." 

The Buccaneers released McCoy earlier this week after nine seasons and quickly filled the void by signing fellow veteran defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a one-year deal. 

New Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. encouraged McCoy to consider Cleveland shortly after he was cut, and Browns offensive coordinator Todd Monken gave general manager John Dorsey a good scouting report on him last week.

"I think a lot of Gerald," Monken said Wednesday before the team's fifth OTA session. "He was an oustanding football player for us and he’s had a tremendous career. I like Gerald a lot."

McCoy, 31, was initially selected by Tampa Bay with the third pick in the 2010 draft. He had 54.5 sacks and made six Pro Bowls during his time with the Bucs.

Kirstie Chiappelli