New England Patriots Free Agency 2015: Tracking Signings and Rumored Contracts
Fresh off of their fourth Super Bowl victory, the New England Patriots head into the free-agency period with two goals: retain and reload. With a good amount of cap flexibility, head coach Bill Belichick should be in a position to do both.
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Jabaal Sheard, Patriots Reportedly Agree to Two-Year Deal
Wednesday, March 11
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Sheard and the Patriots have agreed to a two-year deal worth $11 million with $5.5 million guaranteed.
Sheard presented himself as an intriguing pass-rushing option in Cleveland after racking up 15.5 sacks in his first two seasons with the Browns; however, his production hasn't been the same after that initial outburst.
Despite that regression, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that one of his sources believes that Sheard "will be top 5 signing of free agency, guarantee it."
Devin McCourty Re-Signs on 5-Year Deal
Sunday, March 8
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that safety Devin McCourty signed a $47.5 million contract to stay in New England:
McCourty, 27, spent each of his first five seasons with the Patriots. Selected No. 27 overall in 2010, he has developed from a boom-or-bust cornerback into one of the NFL's best safeties. He made 68 tackles and two interceptions last season, his second as a full-time safety.
Pro Football Focus graded McCourty as the seventh-best coverage safety, and he remains an above-average tackler. Among the NFL's most coveted free agents of the early period, some expected McCourty to get priced out of New England's range.
McCourty explained his reasoning for returning, per ESPN.com:
"I'm blessed to say we had other teams that were interested, but I said all along that I knew in my heart that I wanted to be back in New England. But I also knew the business side of football, and I had to do what I had to do. I'm back, but I'd be lying if I said there wasn't possibilities over the last two days that I was going to be somewhere else. I'm happy it all worked out.
"
Signing McCourty could be the first in a series of moves. Defensive tackle Vince Wilfork is the remaining Patriots free agent expected to draw attention.
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