The New England Patriots have officially exercised the 2020 option year on cornerback Jason McCourty, a source told ESPN’s Field Yates on Thursday.
While McCourty signed a two-year, $11 million contract last offseason, the presence of a $500,000 option bonus to activate the second year of the pact was notable.
If the Patriots elected not to pick up the option, it would have made McCourty a free agent while creating $4 million in salary-cap space. By picking up the option, McCourty can earn a $50,000 workout bonus, $2.65 million base salary, up to $800,000 in roster bonuses ($50,000 per game) and up to $1 million in incentives.
McCourty, who turns 33 in August, is recovering from offseason groin surgery. He opened the 2019 season as a starter opposite All-Pro Stephon Gilmore, with second-year player J.C. Jackson taking over that spot when he was sidelined due to injury.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss contributed to this report.
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