Gerald McCoy is optimistic about the Bengals

Yesterday, it was reported by ESPN’s Dianna Russini that the Bengals are interested in signing free agent defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.

Now, we know there is some form of mutual interest from McCoy’s side.

According to Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, McCoy will consider the Bengals as a potential landing spot due to his belief that they will improve this season:

He also believes the Bengals will be a lot better this year, which has them still in the running.

Before Cincinnati has a chance to reel in McCoy, Cleveland will have first dibs. McCoy is scheduled to visit with the Browns tomorrow.

Cabot also mentioned that the Ravens are on McCoy’s short list of teams he’s interested in signing with. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo also broke that the Panthers could be in the mix with the Bengals as well.

There is no scheduled visit set between McCoy and the Bengals, but it’s good to hear that the they may actually have a shot at signing him if things don’t work out in Cleveland.

The only connection McCoy has with the Bengals is Mark Duffner. Duffner was hired as a senior defensive assistant for new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, but spent the last three seasons with Buccaneers as their linebackers coach. Following a loss to the Falcons in Week 5 of last season, Duffner was promoted to defensive coordinator and became the last one McCoy played under in Tampa Bay. Perhaps it’s Duffner who is advocating to bring in McCoy.

Nevertheless, the odds of McCoy signing with a team in Ohio have increased.