The Patriots have reportedly broached the topic of a new deal for one of their starters in the secondary.
The club has commenced contract discussions with safety Devin McCourty, Albert Breer of NFL Media reported on Friday.
According to Nick Underhill of MassLive.com, who confirmed Breer’s report, “nothing substantial” has yet come from the “preliminary discussions” between the sides.
The 26-year-old McCourty notched 69 tackles in 15 games for New England in 2013, earning the highest grade of all qualifying safeties from Pro Football Focus. He has started 61-of-64 regular season games for the Patriots, playing both cornerback and safety and hauling in 15 interceptions.
McCourty’s current contract expires after the 2014 season.