Patriots: Jason McCourty has heartfelt goodbye after signing with Dolphins

The New England Patriots have been able to lean on one of the best secondaries in the game over the last few years, as Jason McCourty and twin brother Devin McCourty were two of the biggest reasons why Bill Belichick’s defense was almost impenetrable during that span.

The Patriots already had one of the best defensive backs in the game in Devin, so why not add literally a carbon copy in his identical twin brother to come and play cornerback?

The two have a very special relationship off the field, and it has translated into the dynamic duo helping the Patriots win consistently on it.

Unfortunately, after three years in New England, Jason has decided to move to an AFC East rival.

McCourty signed a contract with former Patriots defensive assistant Brian Flores and the Miami Dolphins at the tail end of last week, adding to a cornerback spot that already has Xavien Howard, Byron Jones, and Noah Igbhinoghene.

McCourty was very appreciative of his time in New England, as he used his joint Twitter account that he shared with Devin to thank the organization for giving him a chance, the team for getting him a championship ring, and the fans for “welcoming me with open arms.”

Jason McCourty left the Patriots for a young Dolphins team.

McCourty spent the first eight years of his career with the Tennessee Titans, where his skill at creating turnovers was overlooked by the rest of the national media thanks to the fact he played on some bad teams in a small market. After a year with the Cleveland Browns, McCourty made the jump to New England.

McCourty’s three seasons with the Patriots ended up with him recording 152 tackles, 19 passes defended, and two interceptions. Alongside Stephon Gilmore and JC Jackson in addition to his brother, it doesn’t take a genius to see why every quarterback feared the day they had to face that group.

With Jones and Howard two of the game’s best right now, and Ighbinoghene still trying to work out the kinks as he tries to become one of the best slot cornerbacks in the game, McCourty will likely take on more of a veteran role, equal parts teacher and backup as he adds depth to a stingy Miami defense he is familiar with schematically.

It might be tough seeing the McCourty brothers break up in such a short period of time, especially considering how unsettled the New England secondary is, but Jason deserves nothing but the kindest of sentiments, as he came right in and busted his tail over the last three seasons.

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