While the New England Patriots didn’t apply the franchise tag to safety Devin McCourty, they were committed to keeping the safety. According to Mike Reiss of ESPN Radio in Boston, McCourty and the Patriots have agreed on a five-year deal worth $47.5 million, including $28.5 million in guaranteed money.
Devin McCourty contract terms with Patriots, per source: 5 years, $47.5 million, including $28.5 million in total guarantees.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 9, 2015
The 27-year-old, McCourty was going to be the best safety on the market. McCourty was the Patriots first-round pick, 27th overall, in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Rutgers. McCourty had 68 combined tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble last season. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2010, and was a second team all-pro in 2010 and 2013. In his five season NFL career, McCourty has 388 combined tackles, 17 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles and one sack.
McCourty was a huge part of the defense that helped the Patriots to the Super Bowl. His play at safety provided the backbone for the Patriots secondary as they marched to yet another AFC East division title, cruised through the AFC playoffs, and then defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Arizona. McCourty’s interception of Joe Flacco in the AFC Divisional Round was a huge play in the Patriots come from behind victory.
In order to keep their star, the Patriots have made Devin McCourty one of the best paid safeties in the NFL. Now the Patriots attention will turn to Darrelle Revis as they try to keep their Super Bowl winning defense intact for another run at the title.
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Main Photo:
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 18: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots celebrates in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts of the 2015 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 18, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
