Jason McCourty signed a two year, $11 million deal with the New England Patriots during free agency last week. Here’s a look at how that deal breaks down, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
Chances he makes the roster: 90 percent.
What the contract means for McCourty: The cornerback tested free agency and found himself back with the Patriots, who rewarded him with a solid deal that may well keep him around through 2020. Sometimes, teams will give veterans a two-year deal in order to spread out the cap hit of his contract over two years, only to cut the player before the second year. That probably isn’t the case here, as McCourty has a handful of incentives for 2020, which means the Patriots will want him around if they think he can still perform at a high level. McCourty’s ability to continue age gracefully — at a position where that’s particularly difficult — will determine whether he’s on the Patriots in 2020. But he’ll almost definitely make the roster in 2019. He’ll return to his job as the team’s No. 2 or No. 3 cornerback, with versatility to play in the slot. The Patriots favored rookie JC Jackson over McCourty at the end of the season. Youngsters Jonathan Jones and Duke Dawson will also compete for a job with McCourty. But they all seem likely to make the team along with No. 1 cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
