The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' most valuable player won't hold out for a new contract.
Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy told reporters Tuesday that he has no plans to miss training camp, regardless of the status of his contract, per The Tampa Tribune.
McCoy is entering the final year of his rookie contract and would like an extension. However, he won't miss time learning the Bucs' new system to haggle over his future deal.
Lovie Smith said during the NFL Annual Meeting last month that it was "very important" to work out a contract extension with 26-year-old defensive tackle.
Coming off an All-Pro season, McCoy could have an even better year playing the 3-technique in Smith's Tampa 2 defense. McCoy will be able to get upfield and cause havoc in the backfield in Smith's scheme more often than last year.
Playing alongside new arrivalMichael Johnson won't hurt, either.
As for McCoy's eventual contract extension, the defensive lineman likely will seek something above the five-year, $55 million deal Geno Atkins signed last season with the Bengals.
The latest edition of the "Around The League Podcast" covers the Aldon Smith arrest and analyzes the offseason movers and shakers in the NFC East and NFC South.
