Report: Bucs almost traded Gerald McCoy before his release

Do not continue to beat the dead horse here, but at least it's better than talking about Gerald McCoy as if he's still there.

Many wanted something in return instead of just releasing the veteran defensive tackle and it seems the Buccaneers tried to do it before splitting. At least that's what Mark Cook from Pewter Report reports.

By cook, the Buc were close to an exchange involving McCoy and selections in return, but something happened that eventually led the team to release him.

A league source told PewterReport.com that Tampa Bay and an undisclosed team were very close to a deal that would have sent McCoy to that team for a tentative pick, but the deal failed to the 11th hour. The Brown Clevelands, who welcome McCoy on his first tour as an independent agent, have been McCoy's most connected team this season, in terms of interest, but PewterReport.com may also confirm that it was not the Browns who were treated by the Buc at a possible trade.

So there you have it. The Bucs have tried for their money. It is unclear exactly what the requirements were, but at least they have exhausted all possibilities before letting him go for nothing.

BucsNation.com expects its new deal to be around $ 8 million with incentives and Cleveland may well be the team that will give it to him. Previous reports on "offers" of less than $ 10 million appear to have been leaked by his agent to drive up his price and his bargaining.

For those still interested in former Buc, his visit with the Cleveland Browns was "awesome" and he is still determined to visit the Ravens on Tuesday.