Hernandez $41.1m extension shows Patriots are evolving – The Boston Globe

Great read, you really have to feel good for Hernando, who seemed genuinely emotional over the contract extension. And yes, it’s a good sign that the Pats are starting to not squeeze every last drop out of every player they have before giving them a new contract.

But now, after Hernandez’s deal, we can officially say the Patriots have moved into the 21st century as far as salary-cap management. Their propensity to take players to the end of their deals, then engage in verbal combat when it came time for a new one, not only dragged on the players but it kept the Patriots from using all the possible advantages under a salary cap. It long has been one of the most glaring, perplexing weaknesses of an organization that is so far ahead of everyone else in just about every other area. It’s simple. You identify core young players who are low risk from busting after getting paid. Go to them two or three years early, and in exchange for paying them well before the end of their contract, the team saves millions in future salary cap charges. It’s the definition of win-win. There was no excuse why the Patriots didn’t do it with guard Logan Mankins. And it sure looks like the team learned a lesson from that very contentious negotiation, and has made a wise correction.