Devin McCourty is sticking around.
The New England Patriots are retaining their All-Pro safety, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday night. McCourty will sign a five-year, $47.5 million contract, according to Rapoport, who added that the 27-year-old turned down more money from other teams.
McCourty is the second highest paid safety in the NFL behind the Seattle Seahawks’ Earl Thomas and will receive $28.5 million guaranteed, ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss reported. Thomas previously had the most guaranteed money included in his contract, with $27.725 million.
McCourty was set to hit free agency Tuesday at 4 p.m., and he had offers from the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars during the legal tampering period, according to Rapoport.
The Patriots’ gamble to use their franchise tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski rather than McCourty paid off. The next step for the Patriots is to lock up All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis, which could be easier now that McCourty is back on board.
McCourty was far and away the best safety available on the open market this offseason, and he was a key leader in the Patriots’ locker room as a three-time captain.
Thumbnail photo via Matt Kartozian/USA TODAY Sports Images
