Rumors have been swirling around about the future destination of running back LeSean McCoy. The 31-year old McCoy is still a free agent, and after having a slump last season, will he be able to find a team for the upcoming season? Could it be the Buccaneers?
McCoy
Chat Sports’ YouTube channel released a video regarding the speculation. The video claimed that there are five teams that could possibly land McCoy: The Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angles Chargers.
For most of McCoy’s career he has been an elite running back, having six years where he rushed for over 1,000 yards. However, McCoy’s last two years saw a massive decline in yards.
In 2018, he rushed for 514 yards and three touchdowns. Wherein 2019 his numbers got even lower, rushing for 465 yards and four touchdowns. Although his stats haven’t been up to par, he could be an effective back. Having a veteran back like McCoy could also help younger running backs depending on the team.
Should The Buccaneers Go After Him?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a great running back in Ronald Jones II. They also have Ke’Shawn Vaughn who they drafted in April. Bringing on McCoy could disrupt not only Vaughn’s growth, but also Jones’ time on the field.
“From what we saw from Ronald Jones last year, he’s better than McCoy,” Tom Downey of Chat Sports said.
The Buccaneers have a solid running back core, so they probably won’t go after McCoy. However, Downey makes a good point in his video where he reminds everyone the Bucs tried to go after Devonta Freeman.
What this decision really depends on is how Jones performs this year. If Jones can prove that he can hold the starting running back spot and have an electric year, McCoy won’t be coming to Tampa.
The other reason McCoy will not be a Buccaneer is that the Bucs don’t have the money to pay him. Is he cheaper than Freeman? Probably, but it’s not worth it, using remaining cap space on an aging back isn’t smart.
What Would It Mean If He Does Sign With Tampa?
In the unlikely event McCoy does come to Tampa Bay, I think he’d be a good leader for the younger running backs. Players like Jones and Vaughn could learn a lot from him. McCoy has 10-years in the NFL and won a Super Bowl in February with the Kansas City Chiefs.
He could also work well with Tom Brady, since Brady loves to check down. I think McCoy would see a lot more passing yards than rushing yards. McCoy, a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First-Team All Pro, could be a much needed mentor to the young players of the Buccaneers’ offense.
Will he come to Tampa? Doubtful. But if he does, I think he could fit in Brady’s offense and add more leadership to the young team.
