Sports

Pats, Edelman reportedly agree on multi-year contract extension

The New England Patriots and star wide receiver Julian Edelman are in the process of finalizing a multi-year contract extension, NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo — citing sources — first reported Tuesday morning.

Garafolo speculated that the extension should keep the Super Bowl LIII MVP, whom he called "Tom Brady's security blanket," a Pats player for the remainder of his career. Edelman is in the final year of his current deal. The extension will keep him under contract through 2021, which would be his 12th season as a Patriot. Brady will be 44 that season.

NFL Network National Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the extension will give Edelman "a well-deserved raise," on top of allowing him to retire in New England. It's an early birthday present for Edelman, who will turn 33 on Wednesday.

At 5-foot-10, Edelman entered the NFL in 2009 as a seventh-round pick (232nd overall) out of Kent State University, where he played quarterback.