Patriots copy Tom Brady decision with new Julian Edelman contract

Edelman received a contract extension last week, which will include $12million guaranteed but there is also a lot of money tied up to performance incentives.

The 33-year-old, who won the Super Bowl MVP award last season, has $6.5m tied up in playing time incentives over the course of his three-year deal, reports Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

Edelman has $1m tied up in 2019 incentives, set at 80 and 90 catches.

He has $2.5 million in 2020 incentives, activated at 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 catches.

And there is also $3 million in 2021 incentives, with triggers at six catch statistics (50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100).

Speaking after the Patriots’ organised team activities last week Edelman insisted he still has things he wants to accomplish in the NFL.

“I’ve accomplished goals in the past,” Edelman said.

“And when you do that, you set new goals. I’ve been blessed and fortunate to attain and reach a lot of my dreams, but I still have a lot of other things that I want to go for.

“Got a big chip on my shoulder still, and I look forward to coming out here and contributing to the team and working hard each day, helping younger guys.”

After 10 seasons in the league he has made around $26m, but testing the free agency market could bag him around $10m per year.

However it appears the 2009 round seven draft pick is not interested in leaving New England.

“I love being here. I don’t want to be anywhere else, and I’m excited for this upcoming year,” Edelman added.

“And I’m excited for this spring to work on our fundamentals and mold our team and keep it going.

“Honestly, I didn’t want to go anywhere, and I’m not going anywhere. So Boston, I’ll be back for a couple more.”

It echoes the similar sacrifices Brady has made over the years as the 14-time Pro Bowler has given up as much as $60m over the course of his career, Business Insider reports.

The 41-year-old quarterback is entering his 20th season in the NFL and has earned around $197m during his previous 19 campaigns but has often taken less than his market value or restructured his contract to help the organisation financially.

Even though the Patriots won the Super Bowl last season, Brady missed out on $5m in incentives as he failed to finish among the top five quarterbacks in passer rating, completion percentage, yards per pass attempt, touchdown passes and passing yards.

It seems no matter who you are the Patriots will make you work hard for your money.

source: express.co.uk