Patriots Acquire Jason McCourty From Cleveland
It appears that the Patriots are looking for a dose of brotherly love this off-season.
The team has announced that they have acquired Jason McCourty, brother of Patriots starting safety Devin McCourty, and a 2018 seventh round pick from the Cleveland Browns, in exchange for a 2018 sixth round pick.
McCourty, who has played nine seasons in the league with both Tennessee and Cleveland, was expected to be released by the Browns, prior to the deal getting done.
In all the Patriots moved down a modest 14 spots in the draft, going from pick 205 to pick 219.
The veteran, who has seen his twin brother become an elite player in New England over the course of his career, has totaled 570 tackles, eight forced fumbles, 16 interceptions and 87 passes defensed in his nine-year career.
New England has contemplated bringing in their defensive captain's brother a couple of times in the past, but finally pulled the trigger, likely seeing the move as a low risk, high reward addition.
McCourty is set to make just $3 million this season, with little guaranteed money, according to Patriots Insider Mike Reiss. At that low money, he will be a cheap upgrade to a position that was an issue for the team, heading into the off-season.
The team also re-signed running back Rex Burkhead. The veteran, who missed a chunk of time to injury last season, is due for an increased role this season, following the free agent departure of Dion Lewis.