New England Patriots: Julian Edelman Agrees to Multi-Year Extension
By Brian Hines
After the New England Patriots wrapped up their 2017 mini-camp practices, they re-signed star wide receiver Julian Edelman to a new multi-year contract.
On Thursday afternoon, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo shared that the New England Patriots and Julian Edelman were “moving toward a contract extension.”
Patriots and WR Julian Edelman are moving toward a contract extension that should be completed in the next day or so, sources say.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 8, 2017
Just hours later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the two sides agreed to a new contract.
Patriots and WR Julian Edelman now have reached agreement on a multi-year contract extension, per sources. @MikeGarafolo predicted deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 8, 2017
Schefter went on to add that the extension is for two years, which will keep the receiver in New England through the 2019 season. Edelman will make $11 million over those two years, with nearly $9 million in guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The deal comes on the day the Patriots wrapped up mandatory mini-camp. Edelman stayed busy, catching a team-high 10 passes overall on Thursday.
Since 2013 (Edelman’s last contract extension), he’s proven to be one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL. His 356 catches from between 2013 and 2016 rank fifth in the NFL. He also leads the league in playoff receptions (80) during that stretch.
The extension will help Edelman avoid free agency in 2018, which has been hard on him in the past. After visiting the New York Giants in 2013, Edelman decided to re-up with New England on a one-year, $1.105 million contract.
Next: Garoppolo Would Entertain Idea of Contract Extension
Coming off a career season in 2013, Bill Belichick again let him test the market. Edelman took a visit to his hometown San Francisco 49ers. But he ultimately decided to re-sign with the Pats yet again. The two sides agreed to a four-year, $17 million contract.
The 31-year-old Edelman joins a long list of returning Super Bowl champions who are signed long-term. The offensive nucleus of Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, James White and Marcus Cannon is signed through at least 2019. In addition, defensive players Devin McCourty, Dont’a Hightower, Stephon Gilmore and Duron Harmon are too.