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New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty, who is scheduled to become a free agent March 10, spoke with ESPN's Josina Anderson on Monday after the club did not place the franchise tag on him. Here is what McCourty said to Anderson: On how he feels about the Patriots not using their franchise tag on him: "I really didn’t know. There was no real information from them on if it was going to be me or Steve [Gostkowski]. So I was kind of going off of what everybody else was going off, with what people were reporting as far as sources and all that. So, I guess it's more realistic now that [there's] a chance that I might not be back there. Or there's still a chance that I will, but I guess [there's] more of a chance now with the franchise tag going to Steve that I could be playing in a different place. Still, keeping an open mind and trying to enjoy the process." On how he feels about having to go through the process of impending free agency: "To me it kind of is what it is. I know from being there for five years, I've seen a bunch of moves where a bunch of people kind of didn’t know what they were doing and somehow it always works out. So, it's just now, I am on the other side. I’m not surprised really. I know [the Patriots] always know what they're doing, as far as the team, and what they want to do. So, just seeing what’s next for me." On having faith in the Patriots' thought process: "No matter what they do with players somehow they always end up winning so ... I really don’t know what their thought process is with me exactly, but I think both sides want to be back. So we will see how it works out." On whether he wants to return to New England: "I want to play there, but I also understand it's a business. I don’t want to play there no matter what, but I want to be back. We'll have to see how it works out." On whether he would be bitter if he doesn't return after coming off of a Super Bowl win: "It would definitely be bittersweet. You stay somewhere for five years and really make a name for yourself in that place. I’ve gotten a lot of help. I know a lot of people in the area, built great relationships, so it will definitely be bittersweet. But my mom always reminds me that comes with the territory. That's part of being in the NFL, that change is always coming." On where else he wants to play if he doesn't return to New England: "Not sure. I’m actually going to meet with my agent tomorrow to kind of start putting stuff together and trying to get situated ... We’ll have to see what teams are interested, and what the best situation is. But I know no matter where I go, it's probably going to be a little different from New England. It's a well-oiled machine there ... It’s my first time going through this. I really don’t know what to expect or what to think really."
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