Buccaneers agree to $98M extension with Gerald McCoy

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have locked up one of the core pieces on defense for the long haul.

Two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy agreed to terms Saturday on a seven-year contract extension that's worth up to $98 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports.

The deal includes over $51 million in guarantees, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the details were to remain private.

McCoy was entering the last non-voidable year on his rookie contract. Even before incentives that would allow McCoy to reach the maximum value, the nearly $14 million average on his new deal is the highest ever for a defensive tackle.

Fox Sports first reported the deal.

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McCoy, 26, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2010 draft. He has 20 1/2 sacks in four-plus seasons.

His contract could serve as a benchmark in the Detroit Lions' negotiations with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, the No. 2 pick in the same draft.