Dion Lewis, Patriots Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The New England Patriots signed running back Dion Lewis to a two-year contract extension Thursday, according to Field Yates of ESPN.

Yates broke down the numbers on the deal:

Lewis could have tested free agency after the season, but loyalty played a part in his decision to remain with the Patriots.

"They gave me a chance—this is how I repaid them," he told Christopher Price of WEEI.com.

Before this season, Lewis, 25, last played in an NFL game in 2012 with the Philadelphia Eagles, so his loyalty is hardly surprising. And he's been excellent this season for New England, rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns and catching 15 passes for another 179 yards. 

The talent has always been there, however, as Adam Caplan of ESPN noted:

Now, paired with LeGarrette Blount, Lewis gives the team a solid one-two punch at running back. The Patriots have always had a pretty fluid backfield, but Blount gives the team a powerful option between the tackles and Lewis provides a shiftier option to utilize in space, making them a complementary pair. 

If Lewis continues to produce for the team and fills the role that Shane Vereen once provided for the Pats before he signed with the New York Giants this offseason, Lewis' next contract extension should be even more substantial.