On Thursday, the Tennessee Titans released veteran cornerback Jason McCourty as a cap-clearing move. Still needing help at corner after losing Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne in free agency, the Dallas Cowboys might be interested in giving McCourty a new home.
A sixth-round pick in 2009, McCourty has been with the Titans for his entire career so far. He became a full-time starter in 2011 and has been started every game he’s played since. Outside of missing 12 games in 2015 with a groin injury, Jason has been durable and missed only three other games in six seasons.
What really jumps out when you look at Jason McCourty’s track record are consistent interceptions. He’s picked off 13 passes in the five full he’s played as a starting corner. Even last year, coming back from injury and at 29-years-old, he had two interceptions. Comparatively, Brandon Carr had just seven picks in five years with Dallas.
Obviously, you don’t sign a guy based on what he’s already done but rather what you think he can give you now. Last year, McCourty was ranked 55th among cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus. That put him just a few spots below Brandon Carr, who was 50th.
Perhaps more importantly, it was well higher than 91st-ranked Nolan Carroll. Dallas signed the veteran Carroll in March to help cover the departures of Carr and Morris Claiborne. Coming off a down year with the Eagles, Carroll hasn’t excited many people with his arrival in Dallas and the prospect of him playing a significant role.
Right now, cornerback remains a major roster concern for the Cowboys. Many feel it is their second-greatest need overall after a pass rusher, and some have even argued it should be their top priority in the coming draft.
If the Cowboys see Jason McCourty as an upgrade over Nolan Carroll, it could solidify their CB position and not force their hand in the draft. They could still take a corner but not have to rely on them so heavily in 2017, which is good for both parties. Especially if Dallas does go with a pass rusher in the first round, is any other rookie they take really going to be able to contribute right away?
With $5 million in cap space just gained from releasing Tony Romo and room to make more after extending Jason Witten’s deal, Dallas can work out a reasonable contract with Jason McCourty within their budget. If they are interested, the biggest challenge will be keeping him away from his brother Devin and the Patriots.
No why sign another 30 year old player wait until the draft
Well we now know that the FO will not chase after veterans of they feel they will bring nothing to the party or they are overpriced. I don’t see why we need to chase a 30 year old CB. I would rather swing a few times in the draft and bring in as many UDFA’s as we can. Bring in fresh legs and minds that can be molded.
Anthony Brown was a rarity, not a new strategy. The chances of finding late-round or undrafted DBs who can contribute as rookies are very slim.
I would take a look at him after the draft. He could be good depth He’s already better than Frazier and Heath so why not take a look at him if the price is right
I know it’s just two weeks away, but he could easily be gone before the draft.
McCourty is a CB while Frazier and Heath are safeties so that’s not a proper comparison.