A key member of the Patriots’ special teams unit is set to remain in place for years to come. Brenden Schooler agreed to an extension on Friday, per his agency. 
As noted by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, this will be a three-year, $9MM pact. $3.6MM is guaranteed, and incentives bring the maximum value of the contract to $10.5MM. Schooler is now on the books through the 2027 season.
This marks a considerable raise for Schooler compared to his previous AAV of $858K. The Oregon and Texas product was on track to hit restricted free agency this offseason. A tender decision has now been avoided with a long-term commitment, however.
Schooler joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2022, and he managed to make 16 appearances as a rookie. He has remained a regular ever since, but the two snaps he logged last year represent his only playing time on defense. A heavy special teams workload (between 77% and 89% each campaign) has allowed Schooler to carve out an important role, though, and that will remain the case moving forward.
Of course, the Patriots had one of league’s top special teams aces in Matthew Slater throughout his decorated 16-year career. The 10-time Pro Bowler retired this offseason, creating a notable vacancy for New England’s third phase unit. Schooler, 27, has maintained a key role in that department in 2024, and the Pats currently rank third in the league in special teams DVOA.
Now, he will continue to be counted on as an anchor in that department with Slater having transitioned to an advisory role. The Patriots entered today with ample cap space, and their spending power ranks among the league’s highest in future seasons. Absorbing this pact will not be a problem as a result, and expectations will remain high on special teams with Schooler landing a new deal.
Though it doesn’t necessarily correlate with talent, Schooler plays the game with tremendous enthusiasm, and he just always seems to be having a good time when he’s on the field, even though he’s working hard.
In a dark season for the fans, it’s good to see the hard working guys get some recognition from the ownership. If everyone on the team hit and hustled like Brenden Schooler, it would be somewhat less depressing to watch the Pats play.
Good on you, Brenden. We see you, and we’re glad the team does, too.
(And yes, I know it’s not like he’s ever going to read this)