Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer
Revolution Soccer:: Tonight @ 7:30pm on 98.5 HD2 (Hubcast) and Streaming Here.

Last season, McCourty played 65 percent of the Patriots' defensive snaps. He served as both the third outside corner - spelling Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson - and as a secondary deep safety playing next to his brother Devin. There's no immediate, obvious replacement for either role on the roster, and the roles will likely be fought for in training camp. At outside corner, the top two contenders are 2019 second-round pick Joejuan Williams, and 2020 trade acquisition Michael Jackson. The team could also dip into free agency to bring a more experienced veteran into the mix. Further complicating the matter is Stephon Gilmore's contract situation. He's due to make $7.5 million in 2021, and is expected to hold out. Without McCourty, the depth at the outside corner spot could become an issue if Gilmore is unavailable and/or traded. Meanwhile, the secondary deep safety role could be treated like is was last year, and staffed with a rotation of cornerbacks. Myles Bryant showed flashes of playmaking ability on the back end, and with a strong training camp could be a candidate for a full-time position switch. Again, there are veteran free agents who could fill the role as well.

Last season, McCourty played 65 percent of the Patriots' defensive snaps. He served as both the third outside corner - spelling Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson - and as a secondary deep safety playing next to his brother Devin. There's no immediate, obvious replacement for either role on the roster, and the roles will likely be fought for in training camp. At outside corner, the top two contenders are 2019 second-round pick Joejuan Williams, and 2020 trade acquisition Michael Jackson. The team could also dip into free agency to bring a more experienced veteran into the mix. Further complicating the matter is Stephon Gilmore's contract situation. He's due to make $7.5 million in 2021, and is expected to hold out. Without McCourty, the depth at the outside corner spot could become an issue if Gilmore is unavailable and/or traded. Meanwhile, the secondary deep safety role could be treated like is was last year, and staffed with a rotation of cornerbacks. Myles Bryant showed flashes of playmaking ability on the back end, and with a strong training camp could be a candidate for a full-time position switch. Again, there are veteran free agents who could fill the role as well.