The Tennessee Titans are releasing longtime cornerback Jason McCourty, reports NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. McCourty, age 29, just finished his eighth season with the Titans.
The #Titans are releasing veteran CB Jason McCourty, source said. The longest tenured player on the team is moving on.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 13, 2017
McCourty played 14 games last season with a 74.1 PFF grade and two interceptions, bringing his career total to 13. He was heading into final year of his contract, due to receive $7 million, though none of it guaranteed.
McCourty released a statement via Twitter, saying in part, “Never could have I imagined it would be 8 years before I would be saying goodbye. I can’t thank the Titans organization, my teammates, and the Adams family enough, they have been tremendous to my family and me.”
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) April 13, 2017
McCourty could potentially join up with his brother, Devin, in New England. Rapoport noted that the Patriots inquired about a potential trade in the past. Also New England is reshaping its secondary. Slot corner Logan Ryan left in the offseason and the situation involving cornerback Malcolm Butler is still awaiting a resolution (more on that here).
Yes, your first thought on the release of #Titans CB Jason McCourty is the same as mine. The #Patriots inquired about a trade in the past…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 13, 2017
After signing Ryan earlier in the offseason, this move further shapes the Titans’ secondary. If Tennessee doesn’t draft a corner to replace McCourty (or trade for embattled Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman), it’s likely that Brice McCain will take most of the snaps outside. However, Ryan has spent time there with New England in the past, so head coach Mike Mularkey could potentially play him on the outside instead.