Devin McCourty wasn't informed about Patriots' plans for the franchise tag

New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty was a strong candidate for the franchise tag, but the team went in a different direction.

The Pats opted to tag kicker Stephen Gostkowski instead, and left McCourty somewhat in the dark about their plans. 

"I really didn't know. There was no real information from them on if it was going to be me or (Gostkowski)," McCourty told Josina Anderson of ESPN. "So I was kind of going off of what everybody else was going off, with what people were reporting as far as sources and all that."

McCourty seems unsure where he'll be playing next year.

"So, I guess it's more realistic now that (there's) a chance that I might not be back there. Or there's still a chance that I will, but I guess (there's) more of a chance now with the franchise tag going to Steve that I could be playing in a different place. Still, keeping an open mind and trying to enjoy the process."

If New England doesn't reach a new deal with McCourty by March 10, he'll hit the open market and be free to sign with another team.