Fansided

NFL free agency 2020: Best safeties available

By Russell S. Baxter

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a play against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a play against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 08: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots reacts during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs in the game at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 08: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots reacts during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs in the game at Gillette Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

1. FS Devin McCourty (New England Patriots)

He was a player that was thought by some to be on the downside of his career. But veteran Devin McCourty was a key factor on what amounted to a big year for the New England Patriots’ defense. While the team did not embark on another trip to the Super Bowl, Bill Belichick’s latest squad made its mark in various ways. No team in the league allowed fewer total yards per game and only the Super Bowl-bound San Francisco 49ers permitted few yards through the air.

Devin McCourty’s impressive resume is highlighted by his amazing reliability. He’s played and started 155 regular-season games in his 10 year NFL career. He’s also been a member of a club that has reached the playoffs in each of his 10 seasons in the league – meaning he’s suited up for 23 postseason contests. He has 26 regular-season interceptions to go along with 11 forced fumbles and one half-dozen fumble recoveries.

The 2010 first-round selection from Rutgers University picked off five passes in 2019, his best total since recording the same amount of interceptions back in 2012. McCourty also finished with 58 tackles, two forced fumbles and seven passes defensed.

More fansided.com: NFL power rankings: 2020 edition – Chiefs at No. 1

The Patriots have quite a few decisions to make when it comes to potential free agents on just the defensive side of the ball. Along with McCourty, there’s linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins and defensive tackle Danny Shelton, to name a few. Will there be an 11th season for the veteran defensive back in Foxborough?

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