LeSean “Shady” McCoy signed a one-year deal worth over $1 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, joining Tom Brady’s new offense. But what would could McCoy bring to this revamped franchise?
McCoy is another veteran addition for the Bucs, and is less than 1,000 yards from breaking 12,000 career rushing yards, a career goal he has said he would like to achieve in 2020.
He spent most of the offseason publicizing his assets to many other teams, more precisely with the Eagles. Indeed, he had been in contact with his former team, as he declared he wanted to go back to Philly and finish his career with the NFC East franchise, but ultimately he decided to head south instead. Tampa Bay is his new destination.
Many people think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be a surprise this year and they could be a serious Super Bowl contender. McCoy, after winning a ring with the Kansas City Chiefs last season, is chasing after another trophy.
“I think the biggest thing is to find the right fit. Find the right fit for me. I think at the point in my career, not just playing football. I want to play for the right team. I want to be able to contribute. I want to be able to win another championship. You can’t go from playing with the Chiefs with all that talent and winning a championship to now just trying to play. I’m the type of guy, I want to come in a room, challenge the running backs, get them better. Be a veteran leader. All the type of things I want to bring to a team. So, just got to find the right fit for me.” McCoy declared about his choice.
A six-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, McCoy adds more big-play and pass catching ability to Tampa Bay’s new offense, a team that added two ex-Patriots in Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski earlier this offseason.
McCoy will be a big name in the RB room, teaming up with third-year back Ronald Jones II and rookie third-round pick Ke’Shawn Vaughn. However, he certainly won’t be a lead runner in the offense. The 32-year-old player has enough experience to know he will be a good insurance policy for the two younger RBs in Tampa Bay.
Ronald Jones II has been disappointing so far and has not yet found a prominent role in the offense, and third-round rookie Ke’Shawn Vaughn has a lot to learn. McCoy could become a great mentor to both of them.
Last season, Shady averaged 4.6 yards per carry as part of the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs backfield. If Jones doesn’t develop as expected and the Tampa Bay staff does not entirely trust the rookie Vaughn for his first season, McCoy provides solid experience alongside Brady, who was often successful in Boston utilizing running backs in his game.
The 11-year veteran could also be very valuable on getting first downs in the receiving game.
The Buccaneers may already have recruited many famous faces on offense, but more veteran experience — including Super Bowl experience — could certainly be useful this year. And LeSean McCoy has enough personality and skills to have a great year in Florida.
