Jerod Mayo Signs Five-Year Contract Extension With New England Patriots

Although his rookie deal was not set to expire until 2013, New England Patriots Pro Bowl linebacker Jerod Mayo has signed a five-year contract extension to remain the quarterback of Bill Belichick's defense, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The 2008 Rookie of the Year and 2010 All-Pro has battled through injuries this season which have limited him to 11 games, but still has 68 tackles and two interceptions. He recorded a career-high 175 tackles in 2010, when he was named to the All-Pro team and selected to the 2011 Pro Bowl.

The 25-year old Mayo was the 10th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. Since coming into the league, he has been New England's most productive linebacker, drawing praise from Bill Belichick throughout the years as an intelligent leader with a habit of making the right play.

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