Gerald McCoy Signs 7-Year Extension

Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) gets the crowd pumped up during the first quarter against the St. Louis Rams at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Gerald McCoy is staying in Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers have reportedly signed their star defensive tackle to a 7-year, $98 million extension, with $51.5 million guaranteed.

The new deal will pay McCoy nearly $14 million a season and makes him the highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL. McCoy and the Bucs have been working towards a new deal for quite a while now and just last month, Jason LaCanfora of CBSSports reported the two sides were close to an extension.

Now, however, it’s official.

The Buccaneers have the face of their franchise locked up for the long haul and it’s certainly deserved.

McCoy has long been the best defensive tackle in the league as he regularly draws double teams but still finds a way to disrupt opposing offensives.

He routinely gets into the backfield to blow up plays, and if he doesn’t do it himself, his push has led others to make the play.

The Bucs drafted McCoy third overall in 2010 and he has played 56 games as a Buc. He missed 10 games in 2011 due to a torn right bicep and missed a game earlier this season due to a broken hand.

In his career, McCoy has made 136 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 56 quarterback hits and has forced three fumbles.

While his stats may not always display his dominance, the Buccaneers realize just how critical McCoy is to the long term success of the franchise.