Report: Eagles & Giants To Pursue Free Agent S Devin McCourty

Dianna Marie Russini, citing sources in Philadelphia, reports that the Eagles have Patriots S Devin McCourty high atop their list of free agent targets.

According to Russini, the Giants are also interested in signing him, so there could be a bidding war shaping up between division rivals.

• Earlier in the day, Jason La Canfora listed McCourty among the free agents he expected the Eagles to pursue in the coming days.
• The Jaguars have also come up as a team to keep an eye for McCourty as well.

McCourty should have no shortage of suitors now that appears as though the Patriots won’t be able to get a long-term contract in place before next Tuesday.

Some thought New England may use their franchise tag on him in order to keep their secondary in tact, but he said a few days ago that he hadn’t heard much from the team.

“I really didn’t know,” McCourty said when asked about the Patriots’ decision to not franchise him. “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, 27, played out his five-year, $10 million contract that includes $7.825 million guaranteed and will be an unrestricted free agent as of next week.

This season, McCourty appeared in 16 games for the Patriots and totaled 68 tackles, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. Pro Football Focus has McCourty ranked as the No. 8 safety in the league this season.

We have him currently listed as the No. 3 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.