The Patriots are bringing back veteran cornerback Jason McCourty for the 2020 season.
Jason McCourty will be back with the Patriots next season.
According to a source, the Patriots have picked up the 2020 option on the veteran cornerback's contract. McCourty will have a base salary of $2.65 million next season. His cap hit will be $5.55 million when you factor in signing, roster and workout bonuses.
This will mark the 32-year-old's third season in Foxboro. It just remains to be seen if he's joined by his twin brother, Devin McCourty, who's about to become a free agent next week. Together, the McCourty twins have provided great leadership on and off the field for the Patriots.
For Jason McCourty, last year started off strong before a groin injury cost him the tail end of the 2019 season. The cornerback started the Patriots first ten games of the season, amassing 40 tackles, six passes defensed and one interception. He appeared in two of the team's final six games due to the groin injury, but didn't play much. McCourty then missed the Patriots wildcard loss to Tennessee.
In 2018, his first season in Foxboro, McCourty won his first Super Bowl championship. It was a good story since he was coming off an 0-16 season with the Cleveland Browns. That year, he started 12 of 16 games for the Pats and finished with 70 tackles, 10 passes defensed and an interception. In the team's Super Bowl win over the Los Angeles Rams, McCourty also had two pass breakups, including a touchdown-saving breakup over Brandin Cooks in the end zone.
With McCourty back, the Patriots have outstanding depth cornerback. They return the top of their depth chart with Stephon Gilmore, McCourty, J.C. Jackson and Jonathan Jones. The team also has 2019 second-round pick JoeJuan Williams. However, in January, Williams was arrested and charged with speeding, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia in Tennessee. It remains to be seen if that impacts his 2020 season.
mdaniels@providnecejournal.com
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