Why Gerald McCoy took less guaranteed money to sign with Panthers

Revenge appears to be a factor in why Gerald McCoy took less guaranteed money to sign with the Carolina Panthers.

McCoy, a six-time Pro Bowler, was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers late last month. Given his status as one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, McCoy had no shortage of suitors for his services.

The Baltimore Ravens brought McCoy in for a visit and reportedly offered him a one-year deal. McCoy signed with the Panthers, on a deal that reportedly contained less guaranteed money than Baltimore offered. Being in the same division as the Buccaneers and the opportunity to play against them twice next season appears to be a reason McCoy is now a Panther.

McCoy texted me "See you Week 2!!''
You may not hear McCoy say it, but the chance to play Tampa Bay twice…to say nothing of the #Bucs giving away his No. 93 to Ndamukong Suh, may have tipped the scales in the Panthers' favor.

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) June 3, 2019

NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport also says McCoy wanted to stay in the South and wasn’t so sure about the cities of Baltimore and Cleveland. McCoy also reportedly liked the vibe from his visit with Carolina.

McCoy spent the first nine seasons of his career with Tampa Bay after being selected No. 3 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. He still had three years remaining on his contract at the time of his release. The Buccaneers didn’t take long to seemingly find McCoy’s replacement. Not only did they sign Ndamukong Suh, but Suh took McCoy’s old jersey number. It’s not hard to see why McCoy might have September 12 and October 13 — the days Carolina plays against Tampa Bay — circled on his calendar.