93 Gerald McCoy DT

McCoy was not present for the start of the Buccaneer's offseason program Tuesday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This isn't surprising after coach Bruce Arians publicly acknowledged the possibility of McCoy being cut or traded. The 31-year-old is due a non-guaranteed $13 million base salary in 2019, after a 2018 season in which he had six sacks and earned Pro Football Focus' No. 28 overall grade among interior defensive linemen.

Coach Bruce Arians acknowledged the possibility McCoy won't stay with the Buccaneers for the 2019 season, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports. "[McCoy]'s not as disruptive as he was four years ago," Arians said Tuesday. "He's still a good player. If he's here, he's our starting three (technique)."

A repot in February suggested McCoy would have a place in the Bucs' new 3-4 scheme under defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, but the comment from Arians on Tuesday suggests it's far from a sure thing. Given his non-guaranteed $13 million base salary for 2019, the 31-year-old defensive tackle could end up with a new team before Week 1. The skill assessment from Arians is debatable, as McCoy ranked top 20 in the league for quarterback hits both of the past two seasons, creating far more pressure than the sack numbers alone suggest.

McCoy is expected to stay in Tampa Bay for 2019, Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times reports.

Rumors of a split made sense given that McCoy has spent his entire career in a 4-3 scheme and carries a non-guaranteed $13 million base salary for 2019. However, new head coach Bruce Arians and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles reportedly hope to retain the veteran lineman, as they believe he can play some defensive end in a 3-4 alignment. McCoy would still be an interior rusher on passing downs, coming off a 2018 campaign in which he led the team with 21 quarterback hits and ranked third with six sacks (in 14 games). He'll turn 31 at the end of February and has three seasons remaining on a seven-year extension.

McCoy totaled four tackles (three solo) and was credited with three quarterback hits overall in the Buccaneers' 34-32 loss to the Falcons on Sunday. He finished the 2018 season with 28 tackles (17 solo), including three for loss, six sacks and one pass defensed across 14 games.

It was a good-but-not-great season for McCoy by his lofty standards, as he posted his lowest tackle total since a six-game 2011 campaign. McCoy did manage to equal his sack total from 2017 despite playing one fewer game, and he's now notched at least that number in six consecutive seasons. However, the nine-year veteran appeared to see a reduction in run-stopping responsibilities due to the presence of first-round pick Vita Vea and offseason acquisition Jason Pierre-Paul, the latter one of the more proficient ends in the NFL at slowing down ground attacks. McCoy also battled nagging injuries to his ankle, shoulder, biceps and calf, which certainly could have played a part in his slight statistical downturn.

McCoy (ankle/shoulder) won't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Ravens, gGreg Auman of The Athletic reports.

McCoy began the week as a limited practice participant but was able to practice fully Friday to avoid the questionable tag. The 30-year-old will take up his usual starting role at defensive tackle for the Buccaneers.