Devin McCourty Not Franchise-Tagged by Patriots; Giants Looming?
By Justin Groc
After the 4 P.M. deadline for NFL teams to utilize their franchise tag designations, the New England Patriots have decided to use their tag on kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Safety Devin McCourty was also a logical candidate to be tagged in order for New England to keep him in Foxboro while they attempt to hammer out a long-term deal. Because of their decision not to use the tag on McCourty, him and club will have the next week to work exclusively to work on a potential deal.
McCourty was New England’s 2010 first round draft pick out of Rutgers University. He played cornerback in college and played the position for the club during his rookie season. He eventually made the Pro Bowl during the same season after putting up 82 total tackles and seven interceptions. McCourty was eventually moved to safety due to the depth that New England had at cornerback and he has proven to be a viable option at the position.
Nov 3, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty (32) intercepts a ball intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants’ own Antrel Rolle is likely going to hit the open market. The 32-year-old has been a solid addition to New York after coming on-board in 2010 when he signed a five-year, $37.1 million contract. Rolle has never missed a start during his tenure and elevated himself to team captain.
Rolle is still playing at a high level so it will be hard to imagine him taking a pay-cut to stay, and he has earned his chance to garner major interest from all suitors. However, the Giants may be looking for a younger alternative within a rebuilding defense.
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McCourty would make major sense to fill the void that Rolle would leave behind, if the Giants and Rolle cannot come to an agreement. McCourty will be 28 years old by the time the 2015 season kicks off and the Giants would have him during his prime seasons of age, just like they did with Rolle when he left the Arizona Cardinals five years ago.
The two may command similar salaries but McCourty has age on his side. He is also a local — having played at Rutgers and is from Nyack, New York which is right off the New York Thruway right after departing the New Jersey Garden State Parkway.
What do you think Giants fans? Would Devin McCourty be a sensible option over Antrel Rolle? Comment below.