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The New England Patriots signed running back James White to a three-year extension that will tie him to the club through 2020, according to ESPN.com's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Rapoport reported the deal has a $12 million base with $4.69 million guaranteed. White can earn a maximum of $15 million, per Rapoport.

White, who scored the game-winning touchdown for the Patriots in overtime of Super Bowl 51, total 717 yards and five touchdowns from scrimmage while appearing in all 16 games a season ago.

A significant portion of that production came through the air, as White has served in a key receiving role out of the Patriots backfield since debuting in 2014.

White racked up 60 receptions for 551 yards and only 39 carries for 166 yards in 2016. In his career, he has posted 105 catches compared to 70 rushing attempts.

"James White is like my oldest son," Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said after Super Bowl 51, according to NJ.com's Matt Lombardo. "He just does everything right and you can never get mad at him. If he doesn't make the play, he feels worse about it than you do. He's just the best teammate."

Now locked into a long-term stay with the Patriots, White should continue to serve in his versatile role behind Brady. However, questions do need to be asked about how New England's rushing rotation will look come September considering White, Rex Burkhead and Dion Lewis are all worthy of touches.

Not only that, but the Patriots reportedly signed restricted free agent Mike Gillislee to a two-year, $6.4 million deal on Tuesday, according to Rapoport.

The Buffalo Bills retain the right to match that offer, but the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe reported the Patriots "don't believe" the Bills will do so.

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