Gerald McCoy, Tampa Bay Buccaneers mutually part ways

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have parted ways with six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.

The team announced the move Monday night.

"These decisions are very difficult, personally and professionally," said Buccaneers GM Jason Licht in a statement released by the team. "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."

McCoy, who played nine seasons with the Buccaneers after being drafted third overall in 2010, was due $13 million this season. McCoy has been one of the most productive defensive tackles in the NFL, making 123 starts over those nine seasons, registering 54.5 sacks and 79 tackles for loss. 

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Without McCoy, the Buccaneers currently have depth issues on their defensive line. Jason Pierre-Paul, last season's team leader in sacks, could miss the 2019 season after suffering a fractured neck in a one-car crash earlier this month.

The Buccaneers' move also adds another prominent player to the long list of defensive linemen still available in free agency. Muhammad Wilkerson, Corey Liuget and Ndamukong Suh — the player selected ahead of McCoy in the 2010 draft — still are free agents. Edge rushers Derrick Morgan and Nick Perry also remain free agents.