New England Patriots

Patriots add one year to Devin McCourty’s contract in cap space-saving move

McCourty still plans to retire, but the Patriots found a way to save some cap space.

Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty jogs onto the field. Doug Murray/AP Photo

Devin McCourty signed a one-year, $1.165 million contract with the Patriots on Wednesday.

The move is expected to create $5.035 million in cap space and push $6.2 million in dead money to 2024 “presuming the retirement is officially processed after June 1,” according to ESPN’s Field Yates.

According to Spotrac, McCourty’s contract was scheduled to count as $9.7 million in dead money for 2023 before the Patriots made this move.

Yates noted that the Saints made a similar move when Drew Brees retired.

McCourty still plans to retire. The Patriots have a press conference scheduled for next Tuesday to honor McCourty. The 35-year-old defensive back played his entire career in New England and won three Super Bowls.

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So far during free agency, the Patriots have added Broncos offensive tackle Calvin Anderson. They’ve resigned Jonathan Jones and Jabrill Peppers, among several internal free agents. They’ve also put a right of first refusal tender on cornerback Myles Bryant.

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