The New England Patriots are getting back one of the cornerstones of their defense, as safety Devin McCourty announced his return for a 13th season with the team. McCourty revealed he was coming back to the Patriots through his kids on social media.
Year 13…here we go!!!!!-Dmac pic.twitter.com/pTKoJt1GuI
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) March 13, 2022
McCourty agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal which eliminated the void years on his contract. The move will save the Patriots significant salary cap space as the legal tampering period in free agency is set to begin.
MCcourty has played 188 games with the Patriots, starting every one of them. Originally a cornerback before converting to safety, McCourty has recorded 900 tackles and 31 interceptions in his 12-year career, earning four Pro Bowls and three Second Team All-Pro selections. McCourty has played the most defensive snaps since entering the NFL in 2010 with 11,446 (Malcolm Jenkins is second with 11,407). His 24 postseason starts are the fourth-most in NFL history and his one of just seven players in league history to start in at least five Super Bowls.
With McCourty back in the fold, the Patriots have their starting safeties back with him and Adrian Phillips. J.C. Jackson is the other member of their starting secondary from 2021 set to hit free agency as New England didn't not place the franchise tag on him.
McCourty has been a Patriots' captain over the past 11 years and will be 35 in August.
