Albert Breer of the NFL Network reports that the Patriots have reached out to veteran S Devin McCourty to start the process of discussing a long-term contract extension.
McCourty is an obvious extension candidate as he has played at a high level for the Patriots, despite seeing time at both cornerback and safety in the past few years.
Seahawks S Earl Thomas just set the bar for the safety position at four-years, $40 million and $27.725 million guaranteed, so it will be interesting to see what kind of contract McCourty secures in the end.
As things stand right now, the Patriots have $7,236,450 in available cap space to work with.
McCourty, 26, is entering the final year of his five-year, $10 million contract that includeds $7.825 million guaranteed. He stands to make a base salary of $3.92 million for the 2014 season.
Last year, McCourty appeared in 15 games for the Patriots and totaled 69 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles and a recovery. Pro Football Focus ranked McCourty as the best safety in the NFL last season.
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