Devin McCourty, 32, reached a two-year deal worth up to $23 million, with $17 million guaranteed, according to reports.

Whenever the Patriots have to go with another quarterback, that player will have a tough act to follow.

New England certainly has the blueprint if Tom Brady returns to the team for a 21st season, but the team also needs to be ready for a new face at quarterback.

Several elite free-agent quarterbacks will watch and wait to see where Tom Brady signs in the next few weeks.

Tom Brady, who is a free agent in March, has made it clear he’s willing to listen to offers from other teams.

Coach Bill Belichick has lost three assistant coach this offseason, two going to the Giants and one retiring.

Stella Hang, a sixth-grader from Portland, is among 32 winners of a nationwide search for kids to appear in an NFL commercial and attend the Super Bowl.

Call it Patriots fatigue, but more nationwide interest in the Super Bowl will be generated this year with New England on the outside looking in.