Patriots Reportedly Reach Surprise Extension With Star

The Patriots reportedly aren’t done inking homegrown stars to extensions.

New England reached an agreement with special teams ace Brenden Schooler on a three-year, $9 million extension Friday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media. Schooler can earn up to $10.5 million with incentives, per Mike Reiss of ESPN.

“Brenden is excited to build on the special teams tradition in New England,” his agent, Alex Campbell of AJAX Sports, said, per Reiss.

Schooler has been a stud in the third phase since joining the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2022, appearing in 38 games and recording 32 tackles and four fumble recoveries in 846 special teams snaps. New England has even considered playing him defensively, working him in at safety throughout the preseason.

The Patriots made a concerted effort this offseason to reward their own guys with new contracts, with Schooler joining the likes of running back Rhamondre Stevenson, offensive lineman Mike Onwenu, safeties Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers, tight end Hunter Henry, defensive lineman Christian Barmore and countless others.

Schooler was entering the final year of his rookie contract.