Jerod Mayo and the Patriots will continue working together.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that Mayo has agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million fully guaranteed. The inside linebacker and team captain has a chance to make up to $6 million if he reaches all incentives in the deal. The contract also includes two option years.
Mayo's Patriots future was uncertain after his suffered a torn patellar tendon in Week 6 of last season. It was the second consecutive year that Mayo's season ended in Week 6 -- he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in 2013.
Mayo's previous deal with the Patriots included an injury guarantee of $4.5 million, per Rapoport. New England would have owed Mayo that money fully guaranteed if they cut ties with him before he had recovered from the knee injury. The provision gave Mayo leverage and likely helped pave the way for Wednesday's agreement.
The next question is whether Mayo, 29, can return to form after suffering an extremely serious injury. A new deal shows the Patriots must be encouraged by what they've seen in the rehab process.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast delves into the 2015 NFL schedule, grading the prime-time games and highlighting the Week 1 matchups. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
