Miami Dolphins signing Jason McCourty adds quality depth

According to a report from Mike Garafolo, the Miami Dolphins are going to sign former Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty.

McCourty has had a long career in the NFL. He was drafted in the 6th round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He played eight years for them before playing in Cleveland for one year and the last three seasons in New England.

The Dolphins are pretty loaded in the secondary, especially at cornerback. There isn’t a need for a veteran leader as Miami already has Xavien Howard and Byron Jones on the roster but there is no hurt in having more. They drafted Noah Igbinoghene in the first round of the 2020 draft brought back Nik Needham and added seven-year veteran Justin Coleman earlier this year.

McCourty will add some depth to the unit as the talent does drop off from those above. We do know that Brian Flores loves secondary players. The team hosted safety Malik Hooker earlier this week as well.

In his 12 year career, McCourty has started 137 of a possible 166 games. He started 12, 10, and 11 games in the last three years. He has 106 passes defended, 9 forced fumbles, and 18 interceptions. He played one season under Flores in 2018 so there is familiarity between them and the obvious link.

McCourty is the twin brother of long-time Patriots corner/safety Devin McCourty who has started every game he has been active for.

The Dolphins added Jibri Blount to the roster this afternoon as well and released veteran Bobby McCain in a move that many thought would have happened sooner.

McCourty will add depth and should see time this year but this seems to be a move more in line with having a backup plan should someone go down to injury.