Today In Patriots History June 17, 2004: 31-year old Tedy Bruschi signs four-year extension

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Today in Patriots History
Tedy Bruschi signs four-year extension​

June 17, 2004:
Rather than play out his contract and cash in with his best chance for a big payday as a free agent, Tedy Bruschi chose to take a team-friendly deal and remained a New England Patriot.

Bruschi signs extension

According to NFLPA documents Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi has signed a new four-year contract that will keep him in New England through 2007.

www.patriots.com

The 31-year-old linebacker could have become a free agent following the 2004 campaign, but the new deal that reportedly has a total value of $8.1 million and includes a $3.5 million signing bonus, was enough to keep the eight-year veteran from testing the open market.​

A former 1996 third-round draft pick out of Arizona, Bruschi had his best season as a professional a year ago earning second-team All-Pro recognition from the Associated Press. The defensive co-captain started all 16 games at inside linebacker for the Patriots in 2004, as well as the team's three postseason contests. He finished the regular season ranked second on the team with 137 tackles, adding two sacks, three interceptions, 16 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.​

A former college defensive lineman, Bruschi has started 72-of-120 games played in his eight seasons in Foxboro. A versatile player, the 6-1, 247-pounder has been a key contributor on the outside and inside defensively as well as on special teams with the Patriots. His career totals include 640 tackles, 21.5 sacks, eight interceptions, 43 passes defensed, 14 forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 48 special teams tackles.​

Patriots extend Bruschi's contract

FOXBORO -- The New England Patriots have signed linebacker Tedy Bruschi to a contract extension through 2007. Bruschi, who acts as his own agent, was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2004…

www.southcoasttoday.com

Bruschi, who acts as his own agent, was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2004 season. The new deal includes a total base salary of $4.6 million over the next four years, according to the web site of the NFL Players Association.​

According to the NFLPA, Bruschi's new deal carries a salary for 2004 of $700,000. His base pay increases to $850,000 in 2005, $1.35 million in 2006 and $1.7 million in 2007.​

Bruschi, 31, was the team's third-round draft choice in 1996. He was second on the team with 137 tackles last season, with two sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.​

He also scored two touchdowns, and one of them earned him a permanent place in Patriots' lore. After intercepting Miami's Jay Fiedler for the clinching touchdown in a 12-0 victory over the Dolphins on Dec. 7, Bruschi dropped to his knees as teammates swarmed around him.​

The crowd responded by throwing fistfuls of snow in the air, giving the appearance of frosty fireworks.​