For as much as things changed this offseason for the Patriots, Devin McCourty is one that certainly hasn't. The team quickly re-signed McCourty this offseason, sending a message that the leadership and experience on the back end of the defense would not be lost.
Since arriving in 2010, McCourty was one of the first new foundational players that the team uncovered as the original dynasty defense aged out of the league. The Patriots pass defense was pretty grim in those years, and McCourty was one of the few bright spots.
When he moved full-time to safety in 2013, the stage was set for McCourty to lead a secondary that would be heavily based on matchups and playing man-to-man defense.