Amendola explains decision to take pay cut, remain with Patriots
Danny Amendola recently became the latest in a long line of players willing to take less money to remain with the New England Patriots.
Initial reports on the restructured deal indicated that the veteran wide receiver had accepted a two-year deal that could be worth up to $8.1 million. According to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe, however, only $1.35 million of that total is guaranteed, with all of it scheduled for the 2016 season.
Amendola explained the decision in an interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub on Tuesday, stressing the importance of remaining with the Patriots and playing under Bill Belichick.
"I spent so much time with these guys and put in so much work, and I love playing for coach (Bill Belichick) and the staff and the best city in the country, so I'm excited to be back," Amendola said, according to Phil Perry of CSN New England.
Coming off a 2015 campaign in which he racked up 65 receptions for 648 yards and three touchdowns, Amendola almost certainly could have landed a more substantial contract elsewhere if released by the Patriots.
He instead takes a total pay cut of $4.4 million from his originally scheduled contract terms, ensuring that he'll remain with a team that should once again be a Super Bowl contender.
The 30-year-old should be in the mix for a starting spot opposite Julian Edelman this fall.