Patriots' Brenden Schooler was highly coveted by NFL coaches prior to signing his extension

Patriots’ Brenden Schooler was highly coveted by NFL coaches prior to signing his extension

Posted by Admin October 18, 2024 NFL

New England’s special teams coach told reporters that 30 NFL coaches contacted him expressing interest in Schooler had he hit the open market.

Brenden Schooler would have received interest from nearly every NFL team had he hit free agency. (Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff)

The Patriots inked an in-season contract extension with one of their core special team players, and after the reaction that signing got, it’s probably a good thing New England didn’t let him hit free agency in 2025.

Brenden Schooler, whose official position is safety but who jumps out on tape particularly for his work on punt and kick coverage, earned a 3-year, $9 million extension ahead of the Patriots’ clash with the Houston Texans. It was a far more under-the-radar story than the debut of No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye, but it was a decision that drew plenty of positive reviews, and a bit of jealousy from teams around the league.

On Friday, while fielding questions from reporters ahead of New England’s London game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars, Patriots special teams coach Jeremy Springer noted that 30 NFL coaches texted him their interest in signing Schooler this offseason.

Patriots ST coach Jeremy Springer said about 30 coaches around the NFL texted him and said it was a good thing the Patriots extended Brenden Schooler because if they didn’t, they’d all want him pic.twitter.com/vfN3WFFIH0

— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) October 18, 2024

Springer had high praise for Schooler after he signed the extension, saying he believes Schooler “will be one of the best special teamers to have ever played in the NFL.”

Schooler already has one blocked punt this season, along with multiple special teams tackles. Even when opposing teams attempt a double-team block on Schooler at the line, he can find a way around it to make a play.

Of course, New England is no stranger to having great special teams players in its locker room. Matthew Slater recently retired after an illustrious career on special teams, and he remains in the building in an advisory role to Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo.

Naturally, Schooler was eager to share the news of his extension with Slater, his former teammate and mentor.

“He was ecstatic. We celebrated together,” Schooler said. “With him and his knowledge, his willingness to work with me and develop, he’s been a huge reason why I’m still here.”

With an extension now in the rear-view, Schooler can focus on tormenting opposing special teams units that were clamoring to make a run for him in the offseason.