Before the second week of Patriots training camp commenced Monday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported punter Jake Bailey agreed to a four-year, $13.5 million ($6.5 guaranteed) contract extension through 2025. The deal makes Bailey one of the NFL’s three highest-paid punters.
Following Monday’s practice, Bailey shared his reaction during a media availability session.
“I’m just so happy and blessed I get a few more years here,” Bailey said. “I was just kind of on the phone with my agent and I was like, ‘Alright, that’s it. We’re good with that,’ and it wasn’t like a crazy big moment. But it was fine and a huge milestone in my life and just thankful God put me in this position.”
Bailey then credited his teammates for helping him reach success over his first four NFL seasons.
“[Nick]’s up there with every single guy on special teams that I rely on, him and Joe [Cardona] I probably rely on the most, you know, they’re my guys each and every play,” said Bailey. “Slater too and Justin Bethel, you know without those guys, I don’t know if I’d be in the position I’m in today and I’m just so thankful to them that they’ve worked hard and put me in this position.
“Nick’s just a savvy, wise old guy. You know, anytime I have a question, I’ll bounce it off for him. The pre-shot, it’s like having a caddy back there, the pre-shot little three things he says to me and it always keeps me in a good mental space and what he brings to my game is invaluable. I’m a way better punter, kickoff guy, holder with him in my corner.”
Bailey punted 49 times last season and posted a 47.3-yard average (eighth in the NFL) and 39.6 net (21st in the NFL).
During the 2020 season, Bailey earned his first Pro Bowl invitation and a spot on the All-Pro team after leading the league with a 48.7 punt average.
“My teammates, coaches, I love playing for Coach Belichick and then just the community too,” Bailey continued. “I love being a part of Boston, just being up in this town is awesome.”
ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss broke down the salary cap implications of Bailey’s extension.
The contract extension for Jake Bailey is significant from a salary-cap standpoint. While specifics are still to be learned, Bailey’s 2022 cap charge is expected to be reduced around $1.85 million.
This would give the Patriots about $4.75 to 5 million in overall space.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 1, 2022
Bailey later took to his Instagram to celebrate with a photo and caption reading “4 more” alongside a salute emoji.
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