On Thursday, the reigning Super Bowl champion New England Patriots announced that they have come to terms with wide receiver Julian Edelman on a contract extension through 2019.
Edelman, 31, was set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2017 season. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Edelman’s deal, which is for a team-friendly amount, is for two-years and $11 million with $9 million in guarantees. Edelman is also receiving a $5 million signing bonus and can earn $4 million in incentives.
The #Patriots 2-year extension for WR Julian Edelman that @MikeGarafolo reported is for $11M, source said. $9M in total guarantees.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 8, 2017
New England Patriots Sign Julian Edelman to Contract Extension
Edelman was Tom Brady‘s go to receiver last season, and played a intricate role in the Patriots come from behind win against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 51. He is set to earn $4 million this season and has an opportunity to earn another $500,000 in incentives if he can match his production from last season.
The Patriots star wide receiver will earn roughly $15.5 million over the course of the next three seasons, and has the chance to earn an additional $19.5 million if he hits all his incentives.
Edelman was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Kent State where he played quarterback. In eight seasons with the New England Patriots, Edelman has 425 receptions for 4,540 yards receiving and 24 touchdown receptions. The former college quarterback also has 2,439 return yards, and holds the Patriots franchise record for most punts returned for touchdowns (4), as well as longest punt return.
Edelman has won two Super Bowl rings (XLIX, LI) with New England since entering the NFL in 2009. In Super Bowl XLIX, Edelman led all receivers with nine catches for 109 yards and one touchdown. His lone touchdown came late in the fourth quarter and helped seal the Patriots 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
In Super Bowl LI, Edelman only had five catches for 87 yards, but one of those five receptions was an unbelievable catch you had to see to believe.
