What happened: The structure includes early vesting for the 2028 and 2029 compensation. It protects $53.928 million at signing and makes $96.93 million virtually guaranteed.
Why it matters: Early vesting gives the corner added security while preserving year-by-year decision points for New England. The agreement closes contract talks that remained unresolved in late August before Wednesday's opener against Seattle.
By the numbers: Four new years, $135 million total, $102 million guaranteed and a $33.75 million average annual value.
What to watch: The first future guarantee trigger arrives on the fifth day of the 2027 league year.