By John Sarianides

The Patriots agreed to terms on a two year, $11 million dollar extension with wide receiver Julien Edelman. $9 million of it is guaranteed. Edelman is now signed through the 2019 season. 

Extending Edelman fits the Patriots off-season narrative which has been to load up the roster up for the next two seasons. I am not surprised the Patriots extended Edelman. Both sides wanted to get a deal done and they were able to get it done before the season started.

The 31 year old Edelman would have garnered plenty of interest in the open market as an unrestricted free agent but chose to sign an extension with the Patriots and forgo the opportunity to make more money elsewhere. Edelman chose security and the opportunity to contend for a Super Bowl over a more lucrative contract.

Edelman knows that much of his production is tied directly to playing with Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. Why go elsewhere when you could play with the greatest quarterback of all time in an offense that is suited to your skill set. Edelman is no dummy. Plus he is beloved in New England. I am sure that factored into his decision to sign the extension as well.

The Patriots have loaded up for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. The Edelman extension is proof of that. It fits the Patriots win now or bust narrative this off-season. Good luck to the rest of the NFL as they try to keep up.