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New England Patriots, Jonathan Freeny Ink Two-Year Extension

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) carries the ball as New England Patriots defensive end Akiem Hicks (72) and middle linebacker Jonathan Freeny (55) tackle during the second half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) carries the ball as New England Patriots defensive end Akiem Hicks (72) and middle linebacker Jonathan Freeny (55) tackle during the second half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots announce they have signed linebacker Jonathan Freeny to a two-year contract extension. 

If you work hard, do your job and display versatility as a player, Bill Belichick will reward you. This is the case for New England Patriots backup linebacker and special teamer Jonathan Freeny.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Patriots have signed Freeny to a two-year contract extension through 2018. Though Patriots fans may be anticipating contract extensions for players such as Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Malcolm Butler and Jabaal Sheard, rewarding a player like Freeny has been the model of Belichick and the Patriots for almost two decades.

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The 27-year-old Freeny originally signed a one-year free-agent deal with the Patriots after spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins. Jonathan Freeny quickly earned a one-year extension the beginning of the 2016 season due to his hard work, versatility and ability to fill in and play key roles during stretches where the team dealt with injuries in the linebacker corp.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick pointed out those attributes during a conference call Saturday (Aug. 27):

"“Jonathan is a very dependable player. He is able to do a lot of different roles for us. He can play inside, outside, on the line of scrimmage and off the ball defensively. He has been a very valuable player for us in the kicking game, obviously with some size, a four-phase special teams player.”"

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During the 2016 season, Freeny played 13 games, including seven starts. He filled in nicely for both Collins and Hightower during their injuries and with the surprise retirement of Jerod Mayo, provided the depth the Patriots ended up needing at the position.  He contributed with 50 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble.  Most importantly he displayed a reliability, earning trust from the coaching staff.

But what stands out most for Belichick is the way Freeny has prepared to do whatever he can to contribute to the team:

"“He is one of our overall top workers in terms of the offseason program, preparation, training.  He always does things right. He works hard, doesn’t really say a lot, but is very dependable and consistent. I think everybody in the organization looks up to him.”"

While Jonathan Freeny may not be looked at as one of the most important players on the defensive side of the ball, the role he plays on the team does not lack importance. His versatility and ability to a key player on special teams is what has made him the perfect Patriot the last couple of seasons. Hard work, preparation and leadership will always be rewarded on a team with the trademark “Do Your Job.”

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