Tom Brady is close to a contract extension with the Patriots that will keep the future Hall of Famer in New England for at least three more seasons after 2010, according to the Boston Herald.

The three-year deal is believed to be worth $58 million total, with $19.3 million paid annually. Brady is entering the final season of his contract and is set to make $6 million this season. Combined with the reported extension, his paychecks over the next four years would total $64 million.

The Patriots have a history of letting go of elite free agents instead of handing out big-money extensions, but it is hardly a surprise that they have done whatever it takes to hold on to Brady. A five-time Pro Bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion, the quarterback has never begun a regular season in the final year of his contract, and the team didn't want him to start now.

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