Pats Ink FB Develin To Contract Extension
The New England Patriots rewarded Pro Bowl fullback James Develin with a contract extension that was being finalized Thursday.
The team and the 29-year-old linked up on a two-year extension worth a total of $3.8 million, according to a report from ESPN's Mike Reiss. The deal also includes a $600,000 signing bonus.
Develin was honored with his first Pro Bowl selection last season, after putting up a solid campaign working out of the Patriot backfield.
Despite not having recorded a rushing attempt since 2014, Develin has become a force in the New England running game, working as a premiere blocker at his position.
He has also provided the team with some flexibility, being able to line up wide on occasion, and even creating some coverage mismatches. In 2017, the blocking first back caught six balls for 39 yards and three first downs.
The deal signals a show of good faith in a player that has conducted himself well and embodied the "Patriot Way" mantra, since his arrival to the team in 2013.