BREAKING: Patriots acquire CB Jason McCourty from the Browns, pretty much for free

The New England Patriots acquired CB Jason McCourty and a 2018 seventh-round pick from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2018 sixth-round pick, according to the Browns. Those picks are worth almost nothing in the grand scheme of things, especially since the Patriots pick (#205) is so close to the Browns pick (#219).

So the Patriots obtained a quality #2 cornerback pretty much for free.

The Patriots have been linked to McCourty for the longest time simply because he’s the twin brother of Patriots free safety Devin McCourty. The timing to acquire Jason McCourty never worked out due to the previous depth at the position for New England.

Jason McCourty spent eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans and this past season with the Browns, where he put together a strong season for a bad team. He has never played in the postseason.

The Patriots needed a cornerback to play opposite of Stephon Gilmore after the departure of Malcolm Butler in free agency. McCourty is a highly capable cornerback that should compete with Eric Rowe for the starting job. He will be joined in the competition by Cyrus Jones and Jonathan Jones.

McCourty and McCourty are the second set of twins on the Patriots roster, after Cody Hollister and Jacob Hollister. This should be a lot of fun.