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The New England Patriots have agreed to a new contract with linebacker Jerod Mayo that will keep him with the team through 2015, at least.
The full terms of the restructure, which was first reported by Mike Garofolo of Fox Sports 1, are not yet known. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network does have a few details:
#Patriots & captain Jerod Mayo agreed on a 1-year deal for $4.5M fully guaranteed. Chance to make $6M, source said. Then 2 option years.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2015
Mayo was in a unique situation as his $4.5 million injury guarantee made him very difficult to cut (the Patriots wouldn’t be able to until he passed a physical). He has apparently turned the injury guarantee into a guaranteed base. The additional $1.5 million in incentives isn’t going to be a deal breaker.
Think of this deal as very similar to the one Vince Wilfork signed a year ago with the two additional option years. A long-time team veteran and leader gets a chance to stay with the team for an additional season, with the possibility for future years at strong pay as well.
With the Patriots playing with two traditional linebackers at most times in 2014, it will be interesting to see how Mayo fits in. However, considering his versatility, intelligence, and leadership, having him back is fantastic news for the Patriots. This move should also save the team close to $4 million in cap space.