New England Patriots Reportedly Agree to Terms with Aaron Hernandez

Just two months after locking up Rob Gronkowski to the richest contract in NFL history for a tight end, the New England Patriots have struck a deal with their other tight end, Aaron Hernandez, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

"

Now both young TEs locked up long term: Patriots reached agreement with TE Aaron Hernandez on long-term contract extension, per NFL source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2012"

According to Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe, Hernandez's new deal is for five years and includes more than $16 million in guaranteed money. 

"

Hernandez deal: five year extension worth $40 million with $12.5-million signing bonus and $16.4 million guaranteed.

— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) August 27, 2012"

Last year, in just his second season, Hernandez burst on the scene with 79 receptions, 910 yards and seven touchdowns. In three postseason games, he added 19 catches for 188 yards and two touchdowns, including one in Super Bowl XLVI, in helping lead the Patriots to an AFC championship. 

While not as flashy or charismatic as Gronkowski, Hernandez strikes you as the kind of player who fits the Patriots roster. He is not making a spectacle of himself or doing anything that will represent himself or the team in a potentially negative light. 

Plus, while everyone talks about how great Gronkowski is—and he really is—Hernandez is actually younger than his fellow tight end. 

The Patriots now unquestionably have the best tight end duo in the NFL today—and arguably one of the best ever—locked up long-term.

At 22 and 23 years old, respectively, Hernandez and Gronkowski could conceivably get better. It is a great move for the Patriots, who are always shrewd with their contract negotiations.

This move will help ensure that the Patriots' already dynamic offense continues to improve and their core players are around for a long time.

The AFC East figures to be controlled by the Patriots for a while with the young talent they are stockpiling right now.

Follow @adamwells1985