If you need more proof that Bill Belichick values special teamers, just look at Jake Bailey's new contract.
The Patriots punter has agreed to a four-year, $13.5 million contract with New England that includes $6.5 million fully guaranteed and runs through the 2025 season, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday morning.
Bailey will become the NFL's third-highest-paid punter at $3.4 million per year, trailing only Michael Dickson of the Seattle Seahawks and Tress Way of the Washington Commanders.
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Similar to Davon Godchaux's recent extension with the Patriots, Bailey's new deal is expected to lower his cap hit by about $1.85 million and free up more cap space for New England, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.
The Patriots' fourth-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft, Bailey earned First-Team All-Pro honors as the NFL's best punter in 2020. While Bailey had a down year by his standards in 2021, he's still one of the league's best punters and is being compensated as such by Belichick and the front office.
