2001 Patriots Offseason

Patriots Extend Bledsoe with Massive 10-Year Deal

Ian Logue Senior Writer · PatsFans.com since 2000

Mar 7, 2001 at 2:53 pm ET 1 min read 932 views

FOXBORO, MA — The New England Patriots have signed quarterback Drew Bledsoe to what should be a contract that will allow him to finish his career in a Patriot uniform.

After months of negotiations both Bledsoe’s agent David Dunn and Patriots Chief Operating Officer Andy Wasynczuk were finally able to come to terms on a 10-year deal reportedly worth $103 million. The new contract gives the team much needed salary cap relief, and it couldn’t have come at a better time as New England can now turn their focus to the free agent market.

Full details of the contract had yet to be disclosed.

Bledsoe had said all along that he wanted to stay in a Patriot uniform for his entire career, and now he’s excited that he’ll have the opportunity to retire in New England.

Said Bledsoe in a press conference on Wednesday, “I’m excited today with this contract that it looks like a very real possibility for me to play my entire career with a great organization.”

The signing also puts an end to all the trade speculation that had been circulating in recent weeks.

Bledsoe was originally drafted back in the 1993 NFL Draft as the first overall pick. He originally signed with the team back on July 6th, 1993, and later signed a 7-year extension on July 20th, 1995. This should likely be his final contract with the team.

About Ian Logue

Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.

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