Jan 31, 2019; Atlanta, GA: New England Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty addresses the media at a press conference for Super Bowl LIII at Hyatt Regency Atlanta. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Jason McCourty is staying with the Patriots for at least one more season, if not two. The veteran cornerback gets a pay bump in 2019 after a great season as a key piece of the Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning secondary, sticking around with twin brother Devin on a two-year deal.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported the full details of Jason McCourty’s new pact with the Pats on Friday. It’s two years and a maximum value of $11 million, with $5.5 million guaranteed in the form of a $3.5 million signing bonus and $2 million base salary. The first year also includes a $50,000 workout bonus and $450,000 in per-game roster bonuses ($28,125 per game).
CB Jason McCourty: 2 years, $11 million
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 15, 2019
Signing bonus: $3.5 million
2019
Base: $2m (g'td)
Roster: $450k (per game)
Workout: $50k
2020
Base: $2.65m
Roster-1: $500k*
Roster-2: $800k (per game)
Workout: $50k
Incentives: $1m
*exercises option for '20 (decision due at end of '19)
The Patriots will have an option to keep McCourty for a second season that’s due at the end of 2019, which would trigger a $500,000 bonus. He can then earn another $4.5 million in the form of a $2.65 million salary, $1 million in incentives, $800,000 in per-game roster bonuses, and a $50,000 workout bonus.
Much like Adrian Clayborn’s original two-year deal, this is essentially a one-year deal with the chance for a second if the Patriots feel McCourty is worth a cap hit of $5.75 million. Or, like they did with Clayborn, they can cut him next offseason and create $4 million in cap space or approach him about a restructure.
Jason proved to be a great fit both on and off the field in 2018. His return maintains perfect continuity at cornerback for the Patriots.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.