McCourty, 35 next month, was the No. 203 overall pick of the 2009 draft by the Titans. He far exceeded his draft position with a lengthy career, spending his first eight seasons in Tennessee before a one-year stop in Cleveland, followed by three years in New England with his twin brother, Devin, and then a final season in Miami last year. McCourty appeared in 173 career games, intercepting 18 passes, forcing nine fumbles, and breaking up another 108 passes.

McCourty, who was brought in by ex-Dolphins coach Brian Flores, won't be back under a new coaching staff. The 34-year-old started 4-of-7 games before spending the second half of 2021 on IR. McCourty's Flores ties could draw interest from the Steelers, where Flores left for an assistant role this offseason.

Ian Rapoport added that a source of his said McCourty may need surgery on his foot. The injury is likely a long-term issue but it's unknown if it will end his season. The Dolphins have McCourty listed as a defensive back but have primarily been using him as a safety this year. McCourty opened the year as nearly an every-down player but has seen his snaps cut back in recent weeks. He has been credited with two pass defenses and 21 combined tackles this season.

McCourty played for Dolphins coach Brian Flores in 2018. Going on 34, McCourty had a down 2020 along with the rest of the Patriots' opt-out ravaged defense, but he can play all over the secondary. That includes outside, the slot, and perhaps safety. His addition comes the same day the Dolphins waived S Bobby McCain. Regardless of where he plays, McCourty will enhance what is already one of the league's better groups of defensive backs, provided 2020 wasn't the start of his age cliff. It would not be surprising with a mid-30s DB.