Tampa Buccaneers DT Gerald McCoy agrees to a multi-year extension

The season thus far for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has not been going well. With new head coach Lovie Smith, the team is 1-5 and in shambles.

Today, they decided to lock up one of their young stars in All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to a huge multi-year extension. According to NFL Insider Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, the Bucs and McCoy agreed to terms on a new seven-year extension that is close to $100 million.

The Bucs have agreed to terms w Gerald McCoy on a new 7 year extension for close to $100 million #scoopage

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 25, 2014

On his current deal, McCoy was in the fourth year of a five-year, $55 million contract extension that he signed back in 2010. Since being drafted with the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, McCoy has performed. Over his five-year career, he has 136 combined tackles, three forced fumbles and 20.5 sacks.

In terms of this season, McCoy has gotten off to a slow start as he only has 17 combined tackles and 2 sacks. The Tampa Buccaneers have locked up their anchor on the defensive line for many years to come. Now, can the rest of the team get it together? That is the question.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport also provided this insight into McCoy’s new deal.

The #Bucs and star DT Gerald McCoy have agreed to a 7-year extension, as @JayGlazer said. Source says it’s worth $98M with $51.5M guaranteed

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 25, 2014

Now, what this pretty much means is that Gerald McCoy becomes the highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL.