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Devin McCourty reacts to not being franchise tagged

By Charles Rahrig V

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) celebrates after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) celebrates after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots decided not use their franchise tag on Devin McCourty Monday, and now the safety will be a free agent.

Monday was the deadline for NFL teams to franchise tag their free agents ahead of free agency. Many big names such as Justin Houston and Demaryius Thomas were tagged by their teams. One name that was surprisingly not tagged, was New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty.

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The Patriots decided to use their tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski instead.

While McCourty could still re-sign with the Patriots in free agency, the safety could have lots of suitors with many teams having lots of cap space.

McCourty had 68 tackles and two interceptions for the Patriots in 2014.

Speaking to Josina Anderson, Devin McCourty said he understands that his future now might not be in New England.

"Devin McCourty to me on the #Patriots not using their franchise tag on him: “I really didn’t know. There was no real information from them on if it was going to be me or (Stephen Gostkowski). So I was kind of going off of what everybody else was going off, with what people were reporting as far as sources and all that. So, I guess it’s more realistic now that (there’s) a chance that I might not be back there. Or there’s still a chance that I will, but I guess (there’s) more of a chance now with the franchise tag going to Steve that I could be playing in a different place. Still, keeping an open mind and trying to enjoy the process.”"

McCourty, a two-time All-Pro and Super Bowl Champion, has been productive throughout his career and will likely have many teams knocking on his door to shore up their safety position.

It just might not be New England.

[H/T: Josina Anderson]

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