The New England Patriots are keeping their cornerback group intact, at least for now. They’re retaining cornerback Jason McCourty by exercising his one-year option worth roughly $4.5 million in 2020, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
McCourty’s return solidifies the deep unit. He is likely to continue serving as the team’s second or third cornerback on the depth chart. He and J.C. Jackson were deployed on a rotating basis on the outside, with the matchups determining which player got more playing time in a given week. McCourty suffered a groin injury, however, which limited his snap count and left him inactive for four games. When healthy, McCourty proved a reliable option across from top cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Devin McCourty: 88.3 Coverage Grade in 2019, 83.7 in 2018
Jason McCourty: 79.3 Coverage Grade in 2019, 83.3 in 2018
Another year of the McCourty twins in New England?https://t.co/W4OBKyCG6Q https://t.co/dR7if8ICyK
— PFF NE Patriots (@PFF_Patriots) March 4, 2020
Surely, New England will be happy to keep their cornerback group intact after an impressive season when the defense finished second in passing yards allowed (180.4) and first in yards per game allowed (275.9).
But perhaps there’s a chance the Patriots dissemble the group slightly. New England could trade Jackson this offseason, if only because his contract expires after 2020, and he’s one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL. He would be a solid trade chip if New England was looking to acquire a skill player to bring back quarterback Tom Brady. The return of McCourty frees up the Patriots to part ways with Jackson, particularly with 2019 second-round pick Joejuan Williams looking to move up the depth chart after a very quiet rookie season.
It will be interesting to see if Jason’s decision impacts the decision of his twin brother, Devin McCourty, who is a pending free agent. The safety is likely to have a solid market when the new league year begins on March 18. The two brothers clearly loved playing together over the last two season. Perhaps Jason’s return to New England could help the Patriots convince Devin to return, even if Bill Belichick’s offer comes in below the market rate (which it almost always does).
Regardless, the Patritos can secure one of their top cornerbacks for $5.5 million next season. That’s an easy call. They’re surely happy to have Jason McCourty back.
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