 Patriots safety Devin McCourty will be one of the most sought-after free agents if he hits the open market next week. (USA TODAY Images) |
Pending free agent Devin McCourty spoke with ESPN's Josina Anderson Monday evening after the Patriots decided not to place the franchise tag on him. The 27-year-old safety is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March. 1o, the start of the new league year.
I spoke with #Patriots DB Devin McCourty after the team place their tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski.— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 3, 2015
The following are direct quotes from Anderson's conversation she tweeted out on Monday.
McCourty on the Patriots not using their franchise tag on him: "I really didn't know. There was no real information from them on if it was going to be me or (Stephen Gostkowski). So I was kind of going off of what everybody else was going off, with what people were reporting as far as sources and all that. So, I guess it's more realistic now that (there's) a chance that I might not be back there. Or there's still a chance that I will, but I guess (there's) more of a chance now with the franchise tag going to Steve that I could be playing in a different place. Still, keeping an open mind and trying to enjoy the process."
McCourty on New England's thought process: "No matter what they do with players somehow they always end up winning so. I really don't know what their thought process is with me exactly, but I think both sides want to be back. So we will see how it works out."
McCourty on whether he wants to return: "I want to play there, but I also understand it's a business. I don't want to play there no matter what, but I want to be back. We'll have to see how it works out."
Whether McCourty would be bitter not returning to New England after a Super Bowl win: "It would definitely be bittersweet. You stay somewhere for five years and really make a name for yourself in that place. I've gotten a lot of help. I know a lot of people in the area, built great relationships, so it will definitely be bittersweet. But my mom always reminds me that comes with the territory. That's part of being in the NFL, that change is always coming."
McCourty on where else he wants to play if he doesn't return to the Patriots: "Not sure. I'm actually going to meet with my agent tomorrow to kind of start putting stuff together and try to get situated... We'll have to see what teams are interested, and what the best situation is. But I know no matter where I go, it's probably going to be a little different from New England. It's a well-oiled machine there... It's my first time going through this. I really don't know what to expect or what to think really."
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