Report: Patriots, Jerod Mayo agree to reworked deal

The New England Patriots have reached a deal with Jerod Mayo on a revamped contract that will keep the veteran linebacker with the team, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported.

Mayo, who is coming off a significant knee injury, was considered by many to be a likely cap casualty for the Patriots. With Mayo out of action down the stretch last season, Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins stepped up for the eventual Super Bowl champions. Both players are younger and cheaper. 

Nevertheless, it seems the Patriots aren't willing to let their 29-year-old defensive leader walk. The reworked deal will see him earn $4.5 million in 2015 with the chance to hit incentives of up to $6 million. Most importantly, it will lower Mayo's untenable $10.3-million cap hit.

With Mayo back in the fold, it's likely the Patriots will introduce more 4-3 looks into their defense. A linebacker trio of Mayo, Hightower and Collins would rank among the NFL's best.