Cleveland traded Jason McCourty and 2018 seventh-round No.…
Cleveland traded Jason McCourty and 2018 seventh-round No. 219 to New England for 2018 sixth-round No. 205. The Patriots used No. 219 on Danny Etling, but McCourty was the decisive asset, becoming an important starter on the Super Bowl LIII championship team. Cleveland's incoming pick moved again later, leaving New England with the clear hindsight advantage.
Cleveland Browns Received
- pick 2018 6th round pick (205th overall)
New England Patriots Received
- player Jason McCourty
- pick 2018 7th round pick (219th overall, Danny Etling)
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Cleveland sent cornerback Jason McCourty and 2018 seventh-round No. 219 to New England for 2018 sixth-round No. 205. The Patriots later used No. 219 on quarterback Danny Etling. Cleveland moved No. 205 again in a subsequent transaction, but that later path is separate from the direct Browns-Patriots exchange and should not be treated as extra compensation in this trade.
Cleveland Browns Return
Cleveland traded Jason McCourty and 2018 seventh-round No. 219 to New England for 2018 sixth-round No. 205. The Patriots used No. 219 on Danny Etling, but McCourty was the decisive asset, becoming an important starter on the Super Bowl LIII championship team. Cleveland's incoming pick moved again later, leaving New England with the clear hindsight advantage.
Boston/New England Patriots Return
New England acquired Jason McCourty and 2018 seventh-round No. 219 from Cleveland for sixth-round No. 205. McCourty immediately became a meaningful defensive contributor and started on the Patriots' Super Bowl LIII championship team, while Cleveland did not realize comparable direct value from No. 205. That difference makes New England the clear winner.
Value in Hindsight
Late-round exchanges often hinge on whether the veteran acquisition can outperform the small difference in draft position. McCourty did exactly that. Cleveland gained a slightly better pick, but New England acquired a starting defensive back who contributed on the sport's biggest stage. The practical football value was decisively stronger on the Patriots' side.
Final Verdict
New England earns a B+ and Cleveland a C-. The Patriots turned a small late-round move down into a championship contributor, while the Browns did not receive comparable value from No. 205. New England wins the trade.