New England Patriots: Examining the future of Devin McCourty
After being drafted in the first-round in 2010, Devin McCourty would fulfill the expectations of being a first- round pick on the New England Patriots.
Devin McCourty has been a staple of the New England Patriots defense throughout their historic and dynastic run during the last decade. McCourty has spent his entire ten year career with the Patriots and has gone to five Super Bowls (winning three) while been a first team All-Pro in two different positions throughout his career (corner back and safety).
When his contract ran out in 2015, McCourty signed a 5-year, $47.5 million contract ($28.5 million guaranteed) to stay with the New England Patriots through 2020. At the time, Ian Rappaport reported McCourty turned down more money elsewhere to remain in New England.
The following season Devin McCourty would prove his worth by having one of the highest coverage grades for a safety in NFL history at the time. He’d also show incredible leadership since his rookie season and would impressively be named team captain in nine out of his ten seasons with the New England Patriots.
Devin McCourty's 2016 season was one of the best we've ever seen from a safety in coverage. pic.twitter.com/NRRliikcyr
— PFF (@PFF) June 17, 2017
Devin McCourty has had the career any player would dream for in the NFL. But prior to being drafted by the New England Patriots, he had to pretty much pass a football test from Coach Bill Belichick when he was being scouted as a potential draft pick in college.
"“Mine was in college when he sat down with me, question after question, and the dude gave me no response, no anything. ‘What could you do better?’ I answered it. You’re trying to impress, so I would give this long answer trying to hit everything I knew about the defense, and he would just say, ‘OK,’ and watch the next play. We did it for like 45 minutes to an hour.” – Devin McCourty, per Darren Hartwell of NBC Sports Boston"
Bill Belichick w/ high praise for rookie CB Devin McCourty today. Puts him in same "film breakdown" category as Ray Lewis, Lawyer Milloy.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 13, 2010
Both on the field and in the record books, McCourty has worked his way up to being one of the greatest players to ever play for the New England Patriots organization. He ranks in the top ten all time for most tackles and interceptions by a New England Patriots defensive player.
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Ten years in the NFL and with Devin McCourty being set to become a free agent this year, or he could potentially be looking into retirement after a very successful and impressive career. After an impressive ride though the last decade, no one could blame him if he does decide to hang them up.