NFL Rumors: Patriots reach out to Devin McCourty about a contract extension
Over the last few years, New England Patriots’ Devin McCourty has developed into a team leader with the Patriots and has become a very good player as well (In fact, McCourty played a part in defensive tackle Vince Wilfork returning to the Patriots after it looked like he was through with the Patriots and would be released).
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The Patriots would obviously like to keep McCourty around beyond next season and potentially for his entire career. However, McCourty, who signed a five-year, $10 million deal as a rookie, is entering the final year of his contract, which is worth about $3.97 million. According to Albert Breer of NFL.com and the NFL Network, the Patriots have reached out to McCourty to talk about a contract extension.
The Patriots have reached out to start contract talks with veteran S Devin McCourty. He's due $3.97M in the final year of his rookie deal.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 6, 2014
Two months ago, ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss predicted this would happen, writing the Patriots wanted to be proactive.
"The proactive approach has backfired at times (e.g. Aaron Hernandez), but McCourty, from this view, represents as safe an investment as there could be in a business in which there are truly no guarantees. He’s the type of player to build a defense around, and seems to be the type of person you want others in the locker room following. Along those lines, I’m still puzzled at how he wasn’t initially voted a captain in 2013."
McCourty had 69 tackles, two forced fumbles and one interception in 15 games last season.