"Jerod Mayo is so devoted to the Patriot Way that teammates jokingly call him Jerod Belichick. With a new contract extension submitted to the league on Friday, the linebacker has ensured that moniker will continue.

Mayo has signed a five-year contract extension, a source confirmed yesterday, one that keeps him in New England through 2017. The 2010 All-Pro linebacker still has two more years on his rookie deal.

Precise salary numbers are not yet available for the former first-round pick out of Tennessee, but guaranteed money is said to be substantial.

That Mayo was locked up long term is no surprise. For a still-rebuilding defense, Mayo is one of the key cogs along with tackle Vince Wilfork. The 2008 AP defensive rookie of the year led the NFL with 168 tackles last year while making his first Pro Bowl. He has made 68 tackles this year despite a knee injury, while adding a game-saving interception against the Redskins."