Tom Brady signs contract extension with the New England Patriots
Tom Brady ended a tumultuous Thursday by signing a four-year contract extension with the New England Patriots.
Early Thursday morning the two-time Super Bowl MVP was involved in an automobile accident. Brady was unhurt in the accident and practiced with the Patriots on Thursday afternoon.
The contract extension is worth $72 million with $48.5 million guaranteed. Brady’s current contract expires at the end of this season and the extension will be added to that deal. The extension will keep him with the Patriots through 2014.
Brady was hopeful that negotiations would be complete before the Patriots season opener on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
On Wednesday Brady said, “I really love playing here and playing for Mr. Kraft and Jonathan (Kraft). Our relationship isn’t based on how much money he pays me.” Brady continued, “ it’s very unconditional, the relationship I have with coach Belichick and the whole organization. I’m blessed to play here and I love playing here. I think we are all fortunate to play for a team that’s committed to winning.”
When the extension kicks in Brady will become the highest paid quarterback in the NFL. His average annual salary will be $18 million. Eli Manning of the New York Giants will be the second highest paid QB with an average salary of $16.3 million per year.
In 2009 the three-time Super Bowl champion threw for 4,398 yards and 28 touchdowns. He was selected as a reserve player for the 2010 Pro Bowl and was named the 2009 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Brady missed the entire 2008 season after sustaining a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the season opener on a hit by Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard.
Brady will be 37 years old when his contract extension ends. In the past, he has expressed the desire to play until the age of 40.
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