The New England Patriots capped off a wild weekend in the NFL by re-signing safety Devin McCourty, who was set to become one of the most desirable free agents this offseason.
The signing was first reported by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, who cited two sources. He reports that the deal is worth $47.5 million over five years.
ESPN reports that McCourty confirmed that he plans to come back with a statement to Comcast SportsNet.
“I'm blessed to say we had other teams that were interested but I said all along that I knew in my heart that I wanted to be back in New England,” McCourty said. “But I also knew the business side of football, and I had to do what I had to do. I'm back, but I'd be lying if I said there wasn't possibilities over the last two days that I was going to be somewhere else. I'm happy it all worked out.”
McCourty was very close to signing elsewhere, as he’d received strong offers from the Eagles, Giants and Jaguars. ESPN reports that he even called Patriots coach Bill Belichick Sunday night to thank the team for five great seasons.
However, the Patriots quickly made sure that they kept the 2010 Pro Bowler, who is also an integral part of the team. He’s a team captain and played an important role on the defense during the team’s run to a victory in Super Bowl XLIX.
According to The Boston Globe’s source, of the $47.5 million, $28.5 million of that is guaranteed, making him the most expensive safety in NFL history.
McCourty was drafted by the Patriots in 2010 out of Rutgers as a cornerback. However, in 2012, he played safety and has done so ever since. He has only missed three games in his career so far, another aspect that made him desirable to other teams.
The Patriots will now have to try to bring back cornerback Darrelle Revis.