Patriots: Jason McCourty visiting Pats rival after JC Jackson update
By Mike Luciano
The New England Patriots received both good and bad news that relates to their complex cornerback situation on Friday.
While JC Jackson is coming back, as he signed his second-round tender with New England, cornerback Jason McCourty appears to be on the verge of leaving his twin brother Devin for greener pastures.
McCourty has been a rock-solid presence in New England for the last three seasons after a standout career in Tennessee, recording 152 tackles and two interceptions while winning a championship.
However, considering the Jackson re-signing, Jalen Mills contract, and Kyle Dugger selection last year, Bill Belichick is placing a premium on youth and speed in his backfield.
McCourty isn’t the ball-hawk he was with the Titans, which could mean that he is staring the end of his pro career in the face. Luckily, some old assistants of his have thrown him a bone by offering a visit.
Ian Rapoport is reporting that the New York Giants, a team helmed by former Patriots assistants Joe Judge and Patrick Graham, are bringing McCourty in this week. He could add a veteran presence to an experienced secondary that already features chief recruited Logan Ryan, James Bradberry, and newcomer Adoree Jackson in the backfield.
The #Giants are hosting former #Patriots DB Jason McCourty, source said, as the team and McCourty are exploring a possible move in the future.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 16, 2021
Patriots: Could Jason McCourty go to the Giants?
McCourty likely wouldn’t start with the Giants given their depth in the secondary, but he’s not a high-end starter at this point in his career anywhere. If New York wants a greybeard that can come in, pick up the system quickly, and make some plays in dime packages, McCourty could be the man for the job.
The Patriots still haven’t totally put the Stephon Gilmore trade rumors to bed, which could be bad news for a team looking to make the postseason next year. Belichick’s youth movement is a noble sentiment, but it could come at the cost of a loss of production in the short-term considering how these youngsters will have to learn on the job.
The Patriots could look to the draft to replace McCourty (and, potentially, Gilmore) given the crop of great talent. It wouldn’t be outrageous for Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley or South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn to come to New England and contribute right away.
McCourty is likely being phased out as New England tries to get younger and more athletic, even though the twins were one of the most consistent groupings in the league. Luckily, if he does end up with the Giants, he will join one of the best secondaries in the league in a very weak division, making this the best potential outcome for all parties involved.
