Patriots' Devin McCourty: 'Bittersweet' to see Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski in Super Bowl

While the New England Patriots watch the Super Bowl from their couches this weekend, Buccaneers stars Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski will play to bring a championship back to Tampa Bay. 

Patriots safety Devin McCourty admitted Friday on ESPN's "Get Up" that seeing Brady and Gronkowski playing for another Super Bowl title is bittersweet, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. 

"To watch those two guys leave our team and bring everything they've learned to Tampa, a team that didn't make the playoffs last year and now is having an opportunity to win a world championship, it's been awesome to watch," McCourty said. "And obviously, a little bittersweet because you would rather those two guys suiting up with you on Sundays.

"But it's still awesome to see those guys going out there and doing it again. Obviously, for Tom and his legacy and what he's done in this league, he doesn't have to do any more. But to continue to watch him and his greatness, and continue to get better and better each year, it's just unbelievable."

McCourty's comments were echoed by others throughout the Patriots organization this week. Team owner Robert Kraft admitted that he's rooting for Brady, as did wide receiver Julian Edelman. 

In their first season without the 43-year-old, the Patriots went 7-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Cam Newton underperformed, and now it's unclear what Bill Belichick plans to do for the 2021 season. 

The Patriots could draft a quarterback, rely on Jarrett Stidham, make a trade for a QB or sign someone in free agency. They have plenty of options, though no one they add will replace Brady, who won six titles with the franchise.