Devin McCourty is staying with the Patriots.
The safety confirmed to the Globe Sunday night that he has decided to re-sign with New England rather than leave for one of the suitors that have been pursuing him since the NFL free agency legal tampering period opened Saturday afternoon.
"We had three teams that I was seriously considering, but like I said all along, I wanted to be back in New England, so we took it back to them and we worked it out," McCourty said. "It ended up being a perfect situation. Throughout the last two days, I was picturing myself other places. I wasn't sure how this was going."
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McCourty could have made more elsewhere, but spurned the Eagles, Giants, and Jaguars to stay with New England. He also gave consideration to playing in Tennessee with his twin brother Jason.
A league source said the deal is for five years and $47.5 million, with $28.5 million guaranteed. That guaranteed money figure is the most of any safety in the league.
It's a strong move for the Patriots, who keep not only the 2010 Pro Bowler, but also a team captain and respected leader in their locker room.
"I always knew that being in New England was kind of what I wanted, being here five years, having production as a player, having great production as a team," McCourty said. "It was up to them to be able to match once I went to market, and once you go to market, I'll be honest, there were times I was like, 'I'm out,' but I feel like it worked out. Andy Simms and Wes Spencer [his agents] did a great job. I felt like I couldn't go wrong with any of the choices."
McCourty is relieved that his decision has been made and he can get back to focusing on football; he said his mother's and longtime girlfriend's "nerves were racing" since Saturday as different options presented themselves.
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He candidly acknowledged that knowing he's part of a winning team in New England played a role, but being able to take care of family was important, too.
"My major priority was being able to take care . . . I think we do a good job of taking care of my mom, with me and [Jason], but we can take care of more family members, our charity [the twins run Tackle Sickle Cell, dedicated to helping those afflicted with the disease and their families, in honor of a beloved aunt who has sickle cell]," he said. "I want to win, but being able to take care of family was a huge factor."
Now that McCourty is staying put, the next question is what will happen with cornerback Darrelle Revis.
McCourty did talk to Revis, but is respectful of his teammate's business and decision.
"I spoke to him. I told him I hope we play together next year," McCourty said. "But I'll see him no matter what" as the two train together in Arizona in the offseason.
Related:
• Devin McCourty wants to stay with Patriots, but test free agency too
• Ben Volin: Patriots need Devin McCourty's leadership more than ever
• Patriots have decisions to make that could reshape team
Shalise Manza Young can be reached at syoung@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @shalisemyoung.
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