Devin McCourty Keeping Open Mind Heading Into Free Agency
BOSTON (CBS) -- The New England Patriots placed their franchise tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski on Monday, making safety Devin McCourty a free agent.
McCourty wasn't sure what to expect on Monday, but now that the tag has been placed on Gostkowski, the safety admitted that there's a greater chance he's playing football somewhere other than New England in 2015.
"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," McCourty told ESPN on Monday. "Still, keeping an open mind and trying to enjoy the process."
This is the first time in his career that McCourty will be a free agent. The Patriots selected him with the 27th overall pick in the 2010 draft, and he has since established himself as one of the better safeties in the NFL. McCourty had 10 tackles and an interception in the playoffs this past postseason, including five tackles in the Super Bowl.
In the regular season, he made 68 tackles to go with a pair of interceptions.
"I'm not surprised really," McCourty said of the Patriots tagging Gostkowski. "I know [the Patriots] always know what they're doing, as far as the team, and what they want to do. So, just seeing what's next for me."
McCourty, who has served as a New England team captain in each of the last four seasons, said he wants to remain a member of the Patriots.
"I want to play there, but I also understand it's a business. I don't want to play there no matter what, but I want to be back. We'll have to see how it works out," he said.
McCourty said he would be meeting with his agent on Tuesday to plan his offseason. NFL free agency officially begins on March 10.
The Boston Globe's Ben Volin discusses McCourty's situation w/ 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich:
