Ben Brown secures $6.6 million extension with Patriots
In a week marked by significant on-field accomplishments, the New England Patriots took care of business off the field by extending the contract of offensive lineman Ben Brown. Just before the team secured a commanding 42-10 victory over the New York Jets, Brown signed a two-year extension valued at up to $6.6 million. This move reflects the team’s confidence in Brown, who stepped in as the starting left guard for that pivotal game.
A Dream Come True
When asked about the significance of his new deal, Brown expressed his gratitude and excitement. “Unbelievable feeling. I love it here,” he said. “I’m so very thankful to the Kraft family, to coach Vrabes, to Eliot (Wolf), and everyone else for believing in me and being able to give me this opportunity. I’m just going to do my best out there and do what I can to help this football team continue to win.”
Brown’s journey to this moment has not been straightforward. As an undrafted free agent from Ole Miss, he initially faced uncertainty, bouncing around the league before finding stability in New England. His initial tenure with the Patriots began after he was signed off the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad last season, where he quickly transitioned to starting center.
From Adversity to Opportunity
Reflecting on his path, Brown shared, “Coming here last year off of the Raiders practice squad was such an unbelievable experience, and to still be around here means a lot.” His love for the Patriots runs deep; he reminisced about childhood memories spent watching the team play with his father during Sunday night games and playoff matchups. “I remember my dad saying, ‘You’re good enough to play out there, too,’” Brown recalled, highlighting the early inspiration that fueled his aspirations.
However, his journey has not been without challenges. A bicep injury cut short his final year in college, and he faced another setback during his first preseason game with the Cincinnati Bengals, which led to a year spent on injured reserve.
A Valuable Asset to the Team
Despite these hurdles, Brown has proven to be a resilient and versatile player. This season, he has transitioned from center to primarily serving as a backup guard. With rookie starter Jared Wilson dealing with injuries, Brown has stepped in multiple times, showcasing his adaptability on the offensive line. Over the past two years, he has started 13 games for the Patriots, solidifying his role within the team.
Head coach Mike Vrabel praised Brown’s contributions, stating, “I just think Ben exemplifies everything that we want in building this program. He cares deeply about the team, plays multiple positions, is a great teammate, plays with effort and finish, tries to work and improve, and has found a role for himself here. Excited to have him.”
With this new contract, Brown is not only avoiding restricted free agency but also positioning himself as a key player in the Patriots’ revamped offense for the foreseeable future. The team’s confidence in him is clear, and as Brown looks ahead, he remains committed to helping New England continue its winning tradition.
