Amendola valuable depth for Patriots to keep in-house

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FOXBORO -- Danny Amendola has been through this twice before. He wanted to do whatever it took to remain in New England then, and that appears to be the case again now. 

"I love playing for this team," he said last April after restructuring his deal. "I love playing for these coaches, this organization. I got family out here, this is home to me. I love playing for this team. It's a great experience and I'd like to prolong that for as long as I can. It's been fun."

Amendola was set to make $6 million in salary in 2017, and it was relatively clear he was not going to be playing for the Patriots under his contract the way it was structured. According to ESPN's Field Yates, Amendola will restructure his deal with New England for the third time in as many years, though this time he'll still be paid a salary that will be a "slight increase" from the $1.6 million he made last season. 

Amendola made 23 catches for 243 yards and four touchdowns last regular season, saving his best for last when he reeled in eight catches for 78 yards, a touchdown and a critical two-point conversion against the Falcons to help the Patriots make the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. 

The trust Amendola has built up with Tom Brady, his dependability as a slot receiver, and his skills in the return game have made him a critical piece on the Patriots roster in recent years so it comes as little surprise that the team wanted him back.

That Amendola was willing once again to take less money in order to stay is an indication of just how much he enjoys being a part of a winning organization and how valuable it is for him to be able to do that in the place he considers home.

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