Reports: Patriots restructure linebacker Jerod Mayo's contract

New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo will take a pay cut to remain with the team while he recovers from a knee injury.

New England Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo has restructured his contract in order to stay with the team while he recovers from a knee injury, according to multiple reports. 

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports that Mayo's new contract is a one-year deal with $4.5 million guaranteed and up to $1.5 million in bonuses, plus team options for two more years. Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports was first to report Mayo had restructured his deal to stay in New England.

Mayo tore his patellar tendon last October and missed the final 10 games of the season. Recovery from surgery to repair the injury takes a minimum of four to six months.

During an appearance at a fundraising event earlier this month, Mayo declined to answer questions about his rehabilitation process, according to the Providence Journal. 

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Mayo had originally been scheduled to make $6.25 million in 2015, with a salary cap hit of more than $10 million. Mayo's original contract included $4.5 million that would be guaranteed in the event he was released before recovering from his knee injury. 

Mayo was a Pro Bowl selection in 2010 and 2012 but has played just 12 games in the past two seasons. In addition to the torn patellar tendon, Mayo also suffered a torn pectoral muscle six games into the 2013 season. 

- Dan Gartland