Pats sign Aaron Hernandez to a new deal....

[ERoyal248]

Patriots agreed to terms with TE Aaron Hernandez on a five-year, $40 million extension through 2018.
The Pats have both of their game-changing tight ends locked up for the foreseeable future. In June, Rob Gronkowski signed a six-year, $54 million extension that takes him through 2019. Now it's Hernandez's turn. The 22-year-old had two years and $1.115 million left on his rookie deal, but has already established himself as a unique talent at the "move" tight end spot. Last year, Hernandez piled up 79 catches for 910 yards with seven touchdowns in 14 games. This $40 million extension includes a $12.5 million signing bonus and $16.4 million guaranteed. Including the two years Hernandez had left on his rookie deal, though, it's essentially a seven-year, $41.115 million pact. That's an incredibly reasonable $5.87 million annual average for the improving 22-year-old tight end. Hernandez doesn't even turn 23 until November.

Pretty good deal....

Gronk and Hernandez are a nightmare to cover.

[getlynched47]

I honestly have no idea why the Pats re-signed both of them just 2 years into their rookie deal. That doesn't happen very often at all.

[ERoyal248]

I honestly have no idea why the Pats re-signed both of them just 2 years into their rookie deal. That doesn't happen very often at all.

Well, might mean Welker is gone after this year.

And Hernandez will get a bigger role in the offense if he leaves. And Hernandez is more of a tweener instead of a true TE like a Dallas Clark/Tamme/Fred Davis, etc.

[HUMCALC]

Well, might mean Welker is gone after this year.

And Hernandez will get a bigger role in the offense if he leaves. And Hernandez is more of a tweener instead of a true TE like a Dallas Clark/Tamme/Fred Davis, etc.

Welker was gone regardless, Edelman will take his place next year

[Remedy]

Good for the Gronk and good for hernandez. they both deserve it.

[Freyaka]

I honestly have no idea why the Pats re-signed both of them just 2 years into their rookie deal. That doesn't happen very often at all.

Well not only just that...that's SOOOO much money locked into a single position...Yikes! That's not very much like the usual Patriot way, you pay them and the only way you change what was originally agreed upon is if it's because they are willing to take less for the sake of the team.

[ERoyal248]

Well not only just that...that's SOOOO much money locked into a single position...Yikes! That's not very much like the usual Patriot way, you pay them and the only way you change what was originally agreed upon is if it's because they are willing to take less for the sake of the team.

Better then paying 2 RB's top money like the Panthers did when they are a passing team.

[ERoyal248]

Welker was gone regardless, Edelman will take his place next year

Edelman, no.

Not sure who will if he walks.

[samparnell]

Hernandez and Harvin made Tebow look good at Florida. I like the way they play football. They are both matchup nightmares for the D which must locate them on every play.

[#24 Next Champ]

I honestly have no idea why the Pats re-signed both of them just 2 years into their rookie deal. That doesn't happen very often at all.

I think it was brilliant ...5.2mil a year is a STEAL for Aaron Hernandez

[EvertonBroncos]

The end for Welker, surely. Great deal for the Pats, Hernandez is a great player.

[Remedy]

@jeffphowe Kraft very emotional sharing story of Hernandez walking into his office today with a $50,000 check for Myra Kraft Foundation.


Kind of nice, the first thing he does after getting money is give back to charity.

[EvertonBroncos]

@jeffphowe Kraft very emotional sharing story of Hernandez walking into his office today with a $50,000 check for Myra Kraft Foundation.


Kind of nice, the first thing he does after getting money is give back to charity.

Wow, that's a wonderful gesture, kudos Aaron.