Patriots Extend Aaron Hernandez Through 2018, Leaving Defensive Coordinators Around The NFL Crying In Their Offices

Reports surfaced on Twitter, Sportscenter and online this morning that the Patriots had extended tight end Aaron Hernandez's contract through the 2018 season.

The contract is expected to be signed either today or tomorrow, with a maximum value of $40 million and a signing bonus of $12.5 million. I don't think anyone ever thought that New England would let the former University of Florida product go but it is always nice to see them get a deal done early (and possibly before the player gets even better, thus raising his value).

Fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski-the best in the NFL-got paid in June (6-year, $53 million extension) so it makes sense to lock up Hernandez. I think many rational Patriots fans (granted, that's a minority) realize that while Gronk will probably come back down to Earth a bit this season, after last year's All-Pro season and numerous records, that means Hernandez will improve on his 2011 marks (79 catches, 910 receiving yards, 7 touchdown catches).

What makes Hernandez so unique is that he's built more like a wide receiver and he has the moves of a slot receiver. Plus, the Patriots opened up the playbook last season and gave him a few carries (5 carries, 45 rushing yards in regular season; 8 carries, 92 rushing yards in playoffs) which makes him even more versatile.

Since the Bristol, CT native has seemingly cleaned his life up off the field (no weed, an issue with the Gators), the only real worry with Hernandez is his durability. He's missed two games apiece in his first two NFL seasons. Granted that isn't much but let's hope he can play a full season sooner rather than later. If that happens, the Patriots offense will become even more dangerous as teams have to account for Brandon Lloyd, Wes Welker, Gronkowski, Hernandez and Co.

Speaking of Welker, this deal does not bode well for his prospects of getting the long-term deal with New England that he rightly deserves. Like it or not, he's much older than Gronkowski and Hernandez so that is probably the top reason why the Pats won't sign off on a deal that ensures he can end his career as a Patriot (as it should be) thus allowing us all to live happily ever after.

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