4 free agents the Patriots should happily let leave

1. Devin McCourty

Letting McCourty go would be a painful move for Belichick, but it’s time to let the Patriots’ legend leave for more lucrative pastures. New England is not in the proper position to spend big on a 35-year-old safety.

Instead of spending big on McCourty, the Patriots should make the decision to re-sign Jabril Peppers instead. He’s a different type of safety, but he was the slightly more effective of the two players in 2022. His price tag should be considerably lower than what McCourty is looking for on the open market.

It’s always possible McCourty could be willing to take a hometown discount to stay in New England, but absent that, the Patriots have to find a long-term solution at his position. McCourty can still help a Super Bowl contender on a short-term deal, but New England needs to be in the business of long-term planning in free agency.

It will pain plenty of Patriots fans to see McCourty leave the team in such an uninspiring way, but that’s the business of football. Letting him and his $9 million salary leave in free agency is the right move for New England.