Devin McCourty admits he’s considering retirement after Super Bowl LIII

From the NFL Newswire at 985TheSportsHub.com

Most of the retirement talk surrounding the Patriots is about Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, or Rob Gronkowski. But apparently, safety Devin McCourty can be added to the list.

McCourty, who will turn 32 during 2019 training camp, spoke candidly about his thoughts on retirement when asked about it during Super Bowl LIII Opening Night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. NFL Network analyst Deion Sanders asked McCourty point-blank if it might be his last game before retiring.

"I don't know for sure, man, but I do look at [retirement]," McCourty said. "If we can win this game, win it with my brother, I don't know what else I could do that'll top that. So I'm just trying to make sure I enjoy this season and enjoy these last couple days with these guys."

McCourty's possible retirement adds an intriguing wrinkle to the future of the Patriots, who already know that Brady plans to play in 2019 at age 42. Belichick's future is more uncertain, but the head coach hasn't shown any signs of calling it quits any time soon. Gronkowski also commented on his possible retirement at Opening Night, saying he'll need two weeks to recover from the Super Bowl then he'll reconsider.

If McCourty retires, it would create a leadership void on the Patriots defense. He's served as a team captain every season since 2011. Safety Patrick Chung is the only other defensive player serving as a captain in 2018.

Financially, McCourty's retirement would likely count for $3.9 million in dead cap money but save the team $9.5 million in real cash. McCourty has earned over $51 million in nine NFL seasons, per data from Spotrac.

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