Jason McCourty release infuses talent into free agent cornerback market

If the Jordy Nelson/Michael Crabtree situation teaches us anything, it’s with all these additions, there are going to be subtractions. Sometimes it’s for salary reasons, and sometimes it’s just for a fresh start for the organization and/or the player. In Cleveland it’s the latter as 9-year veteran cornerback Jason McCourty is being released by the Browns.

The 29-year-old has been a full time starter in this league since 2011. After spending the first 8 seasons of his career in Tennessee, McCourty signed on with the Browns on a 2-year, $6 million deal.

In his single season in Cleveland, he put up some of the best numbers of his career with 3 interceptions — one returned for a touchdown — 14 passes defended, and 65 tackles (54 solo).

With the cornerback market down to just a few notable players, McCourty could yield some interest from a team like the Raiders who, despite cutting both their starting corners and letting their slot corner leave in free agency, have yet to sign a free agent corner. They’ve only even been reportedly shown any interest in cornerback Rashaan Melvin.

Others still out there include Morris Claiborne, EJ Gaines, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.