Danny Amendola has found a nice home, and if he had his druthers, he’d remain there in 2018.
That’s no guarantee, of course, as the New England Patriots wide receiver will become an unrestricted free agent in March. But during a speaking engagement Tuesday night at Bryant University, Amendola said he’d prefer to re-sign with the Patriots if possible.
“I’m a free agent this year, so let’s say — the unknown,” Amendola said during a Q&A session with Bryant students, via WPRI’s Yianni Kourakis.
“We’ll see what happens. I definitely want to be here. To tell you the truth, I don’t want to leave. But it’s a business. I’ve learned that.”
Amendola kept his answer vague, and with good reason: There’s always a chance he and the Pats can’t work out a new deal, and another club could come calling with another enticing offer.
History bodes well for the 32-year-old staying in New England, though. Amendola restructured his contract to take pay cuts after each of the last three seasons, and while he’ll need a brand-new deal this time around, the team is well aware of his value. With Julian Edelman sidelined for the 2017 season, Amendola emerged as one of quarterback Tom Brady’s most trusted targets, especially in the playoffs, where he racked up 348 receiving yards on 26 catches over three games.
The nine-year NFL veteran also praised the Patriots’ brain trust while denying “B.S.” reports of dissension between owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and Brady.
“I’ve played for three other organizations, and nowhere where I’ve been is similar,” Amendola said. “They have the best owner, the best coach and they have the best quarterback, and they all work together really well despite reports which I can say are B.S.”
