One day after defensive tackle Gerald McCoy suffered a torn quad-tendon that would require end-of-season surgery, the Dallas Cowboys are continuing their signing of the marquee offseasons – at least for now.
The Cowboys released McCoy on Tuesday through injury removal, and severed ties with the expected starter just five months after he signed a three-year, $ 18.3 million contract.
The team had an exemption from injuries on McCoy’s quad in the contract, allowing it to part ways with the six-time Pro Bowl selection and cancel money earned over its $ 3 million signing bonus. McCoy was set to earn $ 3.25 million this season, with $ 2.5 million coming through base salary and $ 750,000 inoster bonus.
Earlier on Tuesday, Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said he expected McCoy to remain with the team after the operation and contributed from the field in various ways.
“Yeah, I do,” McCarthy said. “Actually … that was part of our conversation, he not only expressed a desire to be here and to be part of what we started here. Of course he’s very comfortable and this is where he wants to be. That’s just what he communicated with me. “
In a statement he shared with USA TODAY Sports on Monday, McCoy said he “wants to remain the mentor that I am for the young boys and do my part to make sure this team goes where it needs to go.”
McCoy, 32, signed with the Cowboys in March and was slated to start on the sidelines alongside fellow free agent and former Carolina Panthers teammate Dontari Poe. Poe went through his physical on Tuesday, allowing him to be activated from the physically unable to perform list.
McCoy sustained the injury during a drill against fellow Lineman Antwaun Woods. McCoy needed help walking from the inner courtyard of the Star’s Ford Center.
The 10-year veteran had been a key part of the Cowboys’ plans to renew their defensive line under McCarthy and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Four-time Pro Bowl selection Everson Griffen and Aldon Smith signed in the offseason to provide more help for standout DeMarcus Lawrence from the edge.
“It’s really disappointing,” Stephen Jones, vice president of the Cowboys, said Monday. “We are disappointed with Gerald for the first time, but it is also disappointing for us. He was one of our big acquisitions there in the offseason in free agency.
“Unfortunately, you have to have a deep roster.”
