Buccaneers GM Jason Licht has contacted Ben Dogra, the agent for DT Gerald McCoy, in the hopes of initiating long-term contract talks, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. McCoy, who is set to become a free agent after the 2014 season, has established himself as one of the more dominant defensive linemen since he was drafted by the Bucs with the third overall pick of the 2010 draft.
Tampa Bay head coach Lovie Smith has deemed a new contract with McCoy a “priority.” Geno Atkins‘ new five-year, $55MM deal with the Bengals has set the bar high for top defensive tackles like McCoy.