New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady expressed elation over the contract extension signed by his most trusted wide receiver, Julian Edelman. Brady made this known on Instagram where he commented "MVP" on a post by NFL's official account announcing the two-year contract extension signed by Edelman. Other Patriots players, including twins Devin and Jason McCourty and wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, also showed their love for Edelman after signing the two-year contract extension reportedly worth $18 million, with an $8 million signing bonus and $12 million in guaranteed money.

Denver Broncos star linebacker Von Miller also congratulated Edelman by commenting a “goat” emoji, referring to the wide receiver’s status as one of the best and reliable receivers in the NFL.

Edelman signs new deal on eve of 33rd birthday

Edelman signed the contract extension on the eve of his 33rd birthday, which will ensure that he remains a Patriot until he retires. Edelman’s new deal will kick in during the 2020 season so he will play the 2019 season under his old deal, where he’s set to earn $2 million in base salary, $350,000 roster bonus and workout bonus worth $500,000. A seventh-round pick by the Patriots in the 2009 NFL Draft, Edelman has played all of his 10 NFL seasons in New England.

Edelman emerged as one of Brady’s favorite targets, receiving 430 passes for 4,676 yards and 26 touchdowns since 2013. Edelman is also a reliable performer in the postseason, recording 115 catches for 1,412 yards in postseason. Edelman won the Super Bowl MVP trophy after tallying 10 catches for 141 in their 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII.

Brady could be next to sign contract extension

Brady, for his part, has a reason to celebrate because he could be next in line to receive a contract extension from the Patriots, according to multiple media reports. Brady is entering the final year of the two-year contract worth $30 million and he could sign a new deal before July.

Currently, Brady is just 18th among quarterbacks in terms of annual average value, earning only $15 million per year. Despite his status as a six-time Super Bowl winner, Brady’s take-home pay pales in comparison with quarterback Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, who recently signed a massive four-year deal worth $140 million, giving him around $35 million in annual salary. Even Brady’s former backup, Jimmy Garoppolo, received a major deal from the San Francisco 49ers, a five-year contract worth $137.5 million. However, Brady said he always gives the Patriots a hometown discount because he wants to be surrounded by good players who will help him win. Also, Brady declared during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel that he can afford to take pay cuts because his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, makes a lot of money.
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