It would make sense for the New England Patriots to extend safety Devin McCourty’s contract as soon as possible, but there doesn’t appear to be any urgency to do so just yet.
NESN.com confirmed Friday, through a source, a report by NFL Media’s Albert Breer that the Patriots have expressed interest in signing the All-Pro safety to a long-term contract, though there is no timetable for a deal to be done at this time. McCourty is in the last year of his rookie contract, and he’s set to earn a $3.92 million base salary with a salary-cap hit over $5 million.
The Patriots could lower McCourty’s 2014 salary by extending him, which would allow them to carry over more cap room into the 2015 season. The Patriots currently have $7.236 million in cap room.
McCourty earned All-Pro second-team honors in 2013 — his first season as a full-time safety. The 2012 and 2013 defensive captain had 69 tackles, one interception and two forced fumbles last season.
