Dec 3, 2017; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) cannot make a catch as Cleveland Browns cornerback Jason McCourty (30) defends during the second quarter at StubHub Center. Photo Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns also sent a 2018 seventh-round draft pick to the Patriots in exchange for McCourty, who will join his twin brother Devin McCounty in the New England secondary. Cleveland received the Patriots’ sixth-round draft choice in 2018 in the deal.
Jason McCourty was among 10 players cut loose by the Cleveland on Thursday. His trade comes one day after the Browns reached agreement on a reported four-year deal with free-agent cornerback T.J. Carrie.
New England had a need a cornerback after Malcolm Butler agreed to a five-year contract with the Tennessee Titans on Wednesday.
Jason McCourty started all 14 games in which he appeared last season — his first in Cleveland and ninth overall in the NFL. He registered 65 tackles to go along with three interceptions and two forced fumbles last season.
“Cleveland it’s been real! I wish nothing but the best to the guys in that locker room!” McCourty posted on the Twitter account that he shares with his brother. “Thank you to the Haslam’s and the organization for giving me the opportunity to lead and do what I love last season!”
The 30-year-old McCourty, a sixth-round draft choice of the Tennessee Titans in 2009, spent his first eight seasons with the Titans, starting 63 of 64 games during a four-year span from 2011-2014.
Carrie, who started 15 games for the Oakland Raiders last season, is expected to take over as the starting cornerback for the Browns, according to Cleveland.com.
Cleveland also placed wide receiver Sammie Coates on waivers, part of a roster purge by one of the busiest teams during the NFL’s free agency period.
Coates appeared in 12 games with Cleveland last season and managed only six receptions for 70 yards in 12 games. He had 21 receptions and two touchdowns for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016.
Also waived by the Browns were defensive lineman Ricky Ali’ifua, offensive lineman Zach Banner, defensive lineman Collin Bevins, linebacker Jeremy Cash, offensive lineman Joseph Cheek, defensive back Trevon Hartfield and running back Josh Rounds. Defensive back B.W. Webb also was released.
