Patriots extend long snapper Joe Cardona on a four-year contract

Earlier today, news broke that the New England Patriots and fullback James Develin agreed on a two-year contract extension. It looks as if the team was not done locking up important role players on the verge of hitting free agency. According to ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots also came to an agreement with long snapper Joe Cardona. The deal will reportedly keep him in New England until after the 2022 season:

The Patriots and long snapper Joe Cardona have reached agreement on a four-year extension, per a source. Cardona was entering the final year of his contract in 2018.

Cardona is with the Patriots since 2015, when the team made him the latest of just four pure long snappers to ever hear their name called on draft day: the Navy product was picked by New England in the fifth round. Since then, Cardona is serving as New England’s long snapper while also still working for the naval forces during and after the season. Despite the double burden, Cardona proved himself to usually be a reliable snapper.

Displaying good chemistry working alongside placekicker Stephen Gostkowski and punter/holder Ryan Allen, the 26-year old has now earned a new deal. While the numbers have not yet been reported, it should be expected that Cardona will enter the ranks of the league’s highest paid snappers and thus play on a contract worth around $5.0 million over its fours years.