The New England Patriots have their sights set on retaining Tom Brady this offseason, but there are other roster moves that need to be made in the meantime. According to ESPN's Field Yates, New England picked up the team option for Jason McCourty.
The Patriots have officially picked up the 2020 option for CB Jason McCourty, per source. McCourty had another rock solid year in 2019, starting 10 of 12 games. He will carry a cap charge of $5.5M for this season.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 12, 2020
Back in the offseason of 2018, the Patriots acquired McCourty in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Then, after a productive first season with New England, he signed a two-year, $10 million contract to remain with the Patriots through 2020.
However, the Patriots had the opportunity to pick up his option for this season and they've chosen to exercise that option on Thursday morning. By picking up his option, McCourty will carry a $5.5 million cap hit next season.
Over the course of his first two seasons with the Patriots, McCourty has combined for 110 tackles, 16 deflections, and two interceptions. So far in his time in New England, McCourty has been the team's starting cornerback alongside Stephon Gilmore.
But with McCourty turning 33 years old in August, his role on defense could change in 2020. On the other hand, it's tough to believe that the Patriots would pick up his option if they didn't have plans for him next season.
Under his current contract, McCourty is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2021. Therefore, this could be McCourty's final season with the Patriots.
He would undoubtedly draw some interest from other teams if New England chooses to let him walk next year. While the Patriots are bringing back Jason next season, it remains to be seen if they are able to re-sign Jason's twin brother, Devin McCourty, this offseason.
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