McCourty announced the move via his personal Instagram. He was drafted by the Patriots with the 27th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and stayed in New England for all 13 years of his career. A cornerstone of the Patriots' defense during the height of their dynasty, McCourty is hanging his cleats up with three Super Bowl rings on his fingers. He was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie and again in 2016. McCourty totaled 35 interceptions and 110 pass breakups across 205 career games, all of which were starts. Though not a strong contender for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, McCourty will certainly be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame as a key member of one of the greatest runs in NFL history.

The veteran safety considered retirement this offseason, but he returns to the only place he has called home since joining the league back in 2010. Heading into his age-35 season, McCourty did not show any signs of slowing down last year. 

McCourty plans to play in 2022 after considering retirement. The 34-year-old free agent should be welcomed back by the Patriots after showing no signs of a dropoff in 2021, posting 60 tackles, three interceptions, and 10 pass breakups while playing 94% of defensive snaps. McCourty played last season at an $8 million salary and could command similar money this offseason.

The 34-year-old was considering retirement but told Tom Curran on Wednesday he was "training with the intention of playing in 2022." Curran guesses the Pats would "love" to re-sign McCourty, who had a strong 2021 despite his advancing age. With free agency question marks all over their secondary, bringing back McCourty would give the Pats some breathing room.