30 Jason McCourty CB

The Browns have traded McCourty to the Patriots along with a seventh-round draft pick in exchange for a sixth-round draft choice, ESPN's Pat McManamon reports.

In the process, McCourty will join his twin brother, Devin, who plays safety for the Patriots. Jason McCourty will help fill the void created by the free agent departure of Malcolm Butler, joining a cornerback corps that also includes Stephon Gilmore, Eric Rowe, Jonathan Jones and Cyrus Jones. In his only season with the Browns, the 30-year-old logged 65 tackles and three picks in 14 games.

McCourty, who racked up seven tackles in Cleveland's Week 17 loss to the Steelers, ends the season with 65 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

The Browns signed McCourty to a two-year, $6 million contract this past offseason, and the veteran cornerback was a pleasant surprise, as he Cleveland's most reliable pass defender. McCourty will be 31 years old when 2018 kicks off and is expected to be the team's No. 1 cornerback again.

McCourty accumulated a team-high 10 tackles (eight solo) during Sunday's 27-21 overtime loss to Green Bay.

A week after posting a season-high nine tackles, McCourty bested that effort against the Packers. The nine-year pro has 19 tackles over his last two contests and 51 for the year. He'll look to continue his hot streak Sunday against the Ravens.

McCourty finished with a season-best nine tackles during Sunday's 19-10 loss to the Chargers.

McCourty has put together a lockdown defensive season as the leader in Cleveland's secondary, but on Sunday he was heavily involved in the tackling game. His nine tackles were his most since Oct. 27, 2016. Don't expect him to continue to rack up the tackle totals, though, but his three interceptions and two forced fumbles still makes him an interesting IDP play.

McCourty (ankle) was a full participant during Friday's practice and no longer carries an injury designation heading into Sunday's contest versus the Lions.

McCourty is set to return to the field after a two-game absence, where his presence will be particularly valued against Matthew Stafford and Detroit's passing attack. The 30-year-old has three interceptions and two forced fumbles on the season.