A New England Patriots defense without Devin McCourty would be strange.
He’s been so reliable and consistent over the past decade that he’s been overlooked at times. You expect nothing less than stellar decision-making and availability on the field. That’s what he’s provided every single year since 2010 — only missing five games out of 160.
McCourty’s value to New England’s defense is very similar to Tom Brady on the offensive side. Free agency is right around the corner and the future for both of these monumental players is uncertain. If the Patriots want to contend for a Super Bowl in 2020, they must retain at least one of them.
McCourty, 32, made it clear he’s staying in the league. Most players cruising into their 30’s would regress at such a difficult position to play, but McCourty ascended in 2019. He tallied 5 interceptions, seven passes deflected, two forced fumbles and 58 tackles. Along with Stephon Gilmore, he commanded the league’s most dominant pass defense last season — recording a league-high 25 interceptions.
It’ll be difficult for the Patriots to replicate McCourty’s last deal, that totaled $47 million over five years. But, he’s worth figuring out a two or three-year deal that nets an annual salary of around $9 million.
Let’s be clear, Bill Belichick has always been a defense-first guy and 2019 proved that New England needs a top-tier unit to contend. The Patriots wouldn’t have been close to their 12-win total they recorded last season without the spectacular group they had defending the ball. It’s very possible the offense regresses if Brady doesn’t return — or even if he does return. Considering that reality, the Patriots will have to load up on defense and reciprocate the productiveness they brought last year.
McCourty is an eight-year captain, three-time Super Bowl champion, two-time Pro Bowler and the glue that’s kept this defense together for an entire decade.
The team’s cap space is sitting around $45 million for the 2020 season and they have a lot of moves to make. If the Patriots don’t put their resources together to retain a key cog in their secondary, there will be another team that’ll gladly use his services.
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