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.
Sources: The #Patriots are finalizing a multi-year contract extension with Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman that should keep him in New England for the rest of his career. Tom Brady’s security blanket is now locked in for his 10th season and beyond.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) May 21, 2019
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.
The #Patriots are giving WR Julian Edelman a two-year extension, source said, potentially taking him to the end of his career and allowing him to retire in New England. A well-deserved raise, too.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 21, 2019
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.
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