Bailey signed a four-year, $13.5 million contract with the Patriots on Monday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bailey's new contract will tie him to New England through the 2025 season, thus replacing the final year of his rookie deal for the 2022 campaign. The 2020 All-Pro, who also handles holding duties for the Patriots, averaged the eighth-highest yards per punt (47.3) in the league last season. Despite rookie punter J.J. Julien's presence on New England's current offseason roster, this contract likely locks Bailey in as the team's starting punter for the foreseeable future.

Bailey (undisclosed) was spotted at Friday's practice, indicating that he has been removed from the active/non-football illness list, Mike Reiss of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bailey has recovered from the illness that sidelined him for a few days in training camp. The 2019 fifth-round pick is expected to serve as the Patriots' punter for a fourth consecutive season in 2022.

Bailey (undisclosed) was placed on the active/non-football illness list Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bailey's absence early in camp will allow undrafted free agent Jake Julien to get some extra work in. However, it shouldn't impact Bailey's ability to maintain the role he's had each of the last three seasons for the Patriots, handling kick-off and punt duties.

With the release of veteran Ryan Allen, Bailey has effectively won the punting competition in New England, Jim McBride of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Allen, who has been with New England the past six seasons, could not out-duel the rookie punter Bailey, who has averaged 49.5 yards on two punts this preseason. Bailey also has kickoff experience going back to his time at Stanford, but he is unlikely to take on those duties with Stephen Gostkowski still on the roster.

The Patriots selected Bailey in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 163rd overall.

EDGE Analysis

The Stanford punter was considered the top punting prospect outside of Mitchell Wishnowsky, who went earlier Saturday. Bailey was a three-time All-Pac-12 honoree. Unlike most Patriot punters, Bailey is right-footed.