The Cleveland Browns concluded organized team activities in Berea Thursday afternoon. One of the hot topic is the latest on free agent defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.
#Browns Freddie Kitchens said he’s confident that Gerald McCoy will join the Browns and explains why pic.twitter.com/N5u9E8Y0Jc
— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham) May 30, 2019
“I like the kid. I like the person,” head coach Freddie Kitchens said. “Of course, I like the player. More importantly, just getting to know the kid, and I really like him.”
#Browns coach Freddie Kitchens confident team will sign free agent Gerald McCoy. pic.twitter.com/BJsbOqo0HC
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) May 30, 2019
So does the rookie coach believe the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle will wear the orange and brown starting this fall?
“I do,” Kitchens said.
The ball is in McCoy’s court. The defensive tackle has visited the Browns and the Baltimore Ravens. McCoy also is scheduled to visit the Carolina Panthers before making a final decision.
Tampa Bay released the veteran defensive tackle last week in a clear cut financial move. McCoy visited the Browns first. Fans hoped a deal would have been reached then, but both sides have remained in touch since.
Freddie Kitchens said he is glad Gerald McCoy is visiting other places because when he chooses Cleveland he will be all in just like they are. #Browns
— P.J. ZIEGLER (@PJFOX8) May 30, 2019
“Every day – nah, I’m just kidding (laughter),” Kitchens said. “We want Gerald to go out and look at other places. Because when he makes the commitment here, we want him to be all in. Everybody that is going to be here is going to be all in, and that is what we need to get to where we are going. We are fine with him taking a look at everybody else. We do not care because we have told him who we were. If that is who he wants, he will end up here. He knows the direction we are headed.”
McCoy wants to play for a contender. Out of Cleveland, Baltimore and Carolina, the Browns provide the best chance. In addition the Browns have the money to spend in comparison to the Ravens. Is that enough to convince the ten year veteran?
“That is always our goal,” Kitchens said. “If that is his goal, he is coming to the right place.”
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
