Patriots Extend Sam Aiken Through 2011

The importance of a good special-teams player sometimes goes unnoticed, but that's not the case for Patriots special-teams captain Sam Aiken.

According to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com, the Patriots and Aiken, a seven-year veteran who was in the final year of his contract, have agreed to a two-year extension that will keep him in New England through the 2011 season.

"Situations like this, it's always a choice by the player and the team," Aiken's agent, Alvin Keels, told Reiss. "It's a good fit for both. New England wanted to extend him and Sam wanted to stay. I think he's excited."

The wide receiver is tied for the team lead with seven special-teams tackles to go with five receptions for 56 yards, including four catches for 30 yards in Sunday's win over the Titans. The 28-year-old Aiken is in his second year with the Pats and caught eight passes for 101 yards while racking up seven tackles in 2008.