Devin McCourty
While McCourty may be getting a little long in the tooth at age 32, there is no overlooking the value of his experience. It’s been rumored the past couple of seasons, and he himself admitted that the thought of retiring had crossed his mind, but he still feels like he can play at a high level and can still impact a team. The Patriots drafted him in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, with the 27th overall selection. He would begin his career by playing cornerback, before transitioning to safety later in his career. He has proven during his time with New England to be a multi-position, versatile impact player.
2019 was one of McCourty’s best overall seasons, in a defensive unit that was one of the league’s best. He would play and start in all sixteen games while producing 58 tackles, 46 solos, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, five interceptions, and seven PBUs. While his overall numbers are less than his career averages, he was a very opportunistic player and through the first seven games of the season, he was a defensive MVP candidate. He would have all five of his picks in the first seven games and teams decided to stop throwing at him.
In his ten years of playing in the league, he has averaged 77 tackles, 59 solos, 1.8 tackles for a loss, 1.1 forced fumbles. 2.6 interceptions and 8.6 PBUs. Those are good enough numbers to start for any team. Realistically I see him having a 1-2 year window of solid production left as a starter. How much longer will McCourty want to play is uncertain and I’m betting that it’s not much longer. I think it depends on how he plays and the team’s success. It’s hard for me to see him playing for any other team besides the Patriots, however, “IF” he hits free agency, then a team that thinks they are one piece away from contending could make him a good offer. My gut says that he stays with New England or retires. It will be interesting to see what the market for him is and how the Patriots play it.
Vonn Bell
While McCourty is more of an all-round safety or a safety with corner skillset, Bell is completely different. He’s more of a safety linebacker hybrid. That’s the big difference between free safety and strong safety. The Saints drafted Bell in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the 61st overall pick. With his rookie contract up, the Saints will have to decide if they want to tag him or let the market dictate his value. If it’s the latter, there will be a number of teams that should definitely line up with offers. Youth and talent equals big money.
In his four years with the Saints, Bell has only missed three games of a possible 64, so the durability has been there. So has the production as he has averaged 82 tackles, 63 solos, four QB hits, two sacks, two forced fumbles, two recoveries, and 3.5 PBUs per season. Those numbers only tell part of his game, as he is a tone-setter on the back end of the defense. With that leadership and production, it allows the Saints to be more creative upfront. Bell is a throwback to a dying breed of safety that will punish receivers coming over the middle, all the while being able to excel in today’s game.
I have to think that New Orleans understands his value to their defense and will try every way possible to keep him. With that said he won’t come cheap and depending on what the market value is, could tell us a lot. Will he chase the money or stay in his comfort zone?
Anthony Harris
Teams that are looking for a slightly cheaper option than the players mentioned above, may turn their eyes to Harris. For me, he’s an interesting player with upside. He went undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft and signed with the Vikings. Playing alongside veteran Harrison Smith, he has gotten better each season and after finally taking over a starting role, he showed the impact he could make.
In his first year as a starter, he posted 60 tackles, 35 solos, six interceptions (which lead the league), 11 PBUs and returned one for a score. This is the impact that Minnesota hoped that they would get from him. Now the question is, do they believe he can repeat that success or it was a one year hit?
If they let him test free agency, other teams will have those same questions. With his youth and potential, I am betting some team will take that gamble and offer him a good deal. Unlike McCourty and Bell, I can actually see Harris moving on. The Vikes are trying to resign Everson Griffen at a lower deal, so they are in cost-cutting or at least cost conservation mode. The Vikings I am sure will make an offer but I don’t believe it will be among the best that Harris will receive.
Thanks for reading my article and if enjoyed it, you can read more of my articles at dynastyfootballfactory.com. You can also follow me on social media, on Twitter at Hollywood@DFF_DWin, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub I’m user KingTitan1 and you can tune in each week and listen to the podcasts, IDP Nation that I co-host, on a number of different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy
