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Patriots Gridiron News: Devin McCourty still has passion for the game

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots breaks up a pass intended for Mike Williams #81 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots breaks up a pass intended for Mike Williams #81 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots veteran safety Devin McCourty has committed to the 2019 season after hinting at retirement prior to Super Bowl LIII.

Well, one of the offseason storylines for the New England Patriots already has a happy ending.

Appearing on the Sports Spectrum podcast, veteran safety and captain Devin McCourty put retirement rumors to rest by announcing that he will be returning for the 2019 NFL season and still has the burn inside to compete and help young players grow.

Drafted in 2010, the 31-year-old McCourty has accomplished just about everything, including winning a Super Bowl with his brother Jason McCourty.  Why not just walk away from the game on top and content like he hinted at prior to Super Bowl LIII?

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It’s simple.

The passion to play is still there.

"“I’m gonna play,” McCourty said, as transcribed by WEEI.  “I think it was cool at this point now like being down here and seeing – I think you’re so wrapped up in the season and at that point that was media night and when Deion [Sanders] said that to me and I was like, ‘Yeah, Man, if we win the Super Bowl I don’t know what else could top that.’“In that moment, I think I forgot I don’t play this game just to win Super Bowls.  There’s so much more that comes from me playing the game that I love.  I think once you get a chance to step away for a couple of weeks, you’re like, ‘Yeah man, I still want to be around these other young guys that come in.”"

This is obviously great news for the New England Patriots as Devin McCourty has been a reliable player and vocal leader on defense basically since he entered the league.  There is no doubt Bill Belichick will draft a young safety or two for McCourty to groom.  It certainly sounds like the nine-year veteran is ready for the challenge.

What about the money?

A decision to return could mean restructuring his contract.

Devin McCourty will have a $13.4 million cap hit in 2019 as he will enter the last year of his contract.  With that big number, expect the New England Patriots to ask if he will restructure to lower that number.

Since McCourty has always been a team-friendly type player, it is safe to assume that both sides will work something out.  That would also give the team some more cash to work with and perhaps bring back his brother Jason McCourty.

Next. New England Patriots: 5 offseason storylines of intrigue. dark

In summary, McCourty’s commitment gives indication of how locked in New England Patriots players are on chasing a seventh Super Bowl championship.

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