The New England Patriots’ twin combination in the secondary will remain intact for another season.
A source says cornerback Jason McCourty has agreed to a two-year deal to remain with the Super Bowl champions.
For McCourty, who was signed to a one-year deal by the Patriots prior to last season, it means continuing playing alongside his twin brother and safety Devin McCourty. It also helps keep some continuity in New England’s starting secondary, which features the McCourty brothers, safety Patrick Chung and cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Jason McCourty appeared in all 16 games during the 2018 season, including 12 starts at left cornerback. He finished with one interception and 10 passes defensed.
AFTER SPENDING a season in Miami, Brandon Bolden is returning home.
According to the NFL Network, Bolden is signing a two-year deal to return to the New England Patriots.
Bolden, 29, provided running back depth and was used as a core special teamer from 2012-17 in Foxborough. Last season, he signed with Miami after failing to make the Patriots 53-man roster. Bolden finished with 91 rushing yards and three total touchdowns with the Dolphins.
Bolden had his best game against the Patriots in Week 14, scoring his only two rushing touchdowns of the season. He played only 25 total offensive snaps in Miami, but was fourth on the team with 295 special teams snaps.
Once again, Bolden will be used as a core special teamer and will back up the likes of Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead and James White.
The Patriots also have re-signed cornerback Jason McCourty to a two-year contract, ESPN has reported. McCourty played on the Patriots’ Super Bowl championship team last season after being acquired in a trade with Cleveland in March 2018.
• The NFL Network also reported that the Patriots are expected to bring back pass rusher John Simon on a two-year deal.
The Patriots added Simon, 28, in late September last season. He turned out to be one of the better midseason acquisitions. Simon quietly fit in as a situational pass rusher, starting two of 11 games played in Foxboro. He finished with two sacks and 17 tackles. In Super Bowl LIII, Simon batted down a pass at the line of scrimmage.
Considering he missed the entire offseason program in Foxborough, Simon played well under the circumstances and could have an elevated role in the defense next season.
• The Patriots are “doing their homework” on free-agent tight end Jared Cook, according to the NFL Network. Cook, 31, caught 68 passes for 896 yards and six touchdowns in Oakland last year and earned the first Pro Bowl honors of his career.
• Multiple sources report receiver Phillip Dorsett and the Patriots have agreed on a one-year contract.
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