The New England Patriots have found a new cornerback, acquiring Jason McCourty from the Cleveland Browns, according to Marc Sessler of NFL.com. Sessler said the Browns traded McCourty and a 2018 seventh-round pick to the Patriots for the latter’s 2018 sixth-round pick. The move unites Jason with his twin brother, Devin McCourty, a long-time defensive back for the Patriots. The twins have publicly expressed their desire to play together, and the trade has fulfilled their wish. Jason is seen as a replacement for Malcolm Butler, who joined the Tennessee Titans on a five-year deal worth $61 million.
This was the second time this offseason that the Patriots pulled the trigger on a transaction with the Browns. Earlier, New England shipped their 2019 third-round pick to Cleveland for defensive lineman Danny Shelton.
Before he signed a two-year deal worth $6 million with the Browns last offseason, Jason expressed his interest in suiting up for the Patriots, saying playing alongside his twin brother would be a dream come true. However, the Patriots were stacked up in the cornerback position last season. “They have a lot of talent in that room. There really wasn't room for me,” said Jason. A nine-year veteran, the 30-year-old McCourty played his first eight years in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, who selected him in the sixth round in the 2009 NFL Draft.
In that draft, the Patriots selected Devin with the No. 27 overall pick. In his career, Jason tallied 87 passes defended and 16 interceptions. The Patriots now have McCourty, Stephon Gilmore, Eric Rowe, Jonathan Jones, Cyrus Jones and Ryan Lewis in their cornerback depth chart.
Former tight end visits Patriots
The Patriots hosted their former tight end Asante Cleveland on a free agent visit in Foxborough.
The Patriots acquired Cleveland from the San Francisco 49ers in 2015. However, Cleveland’s time with the Patiots was brief as he bounced back-and-forth between the practice squad and the active roster that year. The Patriots later released Cleveland that year before he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers late in the season.
Cleveland spent most of his time with the Chargers on the practice squad and suited up for just four regular season games in 2016. Cleveland spent last season on injured reserve. The Patriots currently have three tight ends in Dwayne Allen, Rob Gronkowski and Jacob Hollister under contract. However, Gronkowski’s future is unclear as he is considering retirement after their 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII.
Patriots eyeing ex-rusher
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Media, the Patriots are eyeing their former running back Danny Woodhead, who was recently released by the Baltimore Ravens. Woodhead played for the Patriots from 2010 to 2012, rushing for 10 touchdowns during that time. The Patriots have Mike Gillislee, James White, Brandon Bolden and Rex Burkhead as rushers.
