Still No Progress Between Patriots & S Devin McCourty Regarding An Extension

According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, there still is a chance that the Patriots and S Devin McCourty could discuss a long-term extension before the start of the regular season.

However, La Canfora reports that, “there hasn’t been any movement” in contract talks since the two parties exchanged some initial proposals this offseason.

La Canfora mentions that New England and McCourty “weren’t particularly close” to an agreement at the time.

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.

La Canfora points out that the franchise tag for the safety position is somewhat team friendly, and this could be one of the reasons that talks have stalled in recent months.

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.