Hard work paid off for running back Dion Lewis who was signed by the New England Patriots to a two-year extension deal, which may reportedly earn him $4.8 million.
ESPN reported that a source said for the first year of the contract, Lewis will get a base salary of $800,000, and the second year will give him $1.2 million.
According to the report, the 25-year-old running back's new contract with New England also has a $600,000 signing bonus.
"It was a good feeling. Still have a lot of work to do," Lewis said after signing the extension deal with the Pats.
In three games played this season, Lewis has 30 carries for 146 yards with two touchdowns and along with his rushing game also has 15 receptions for 179 yards.
Lewis was a fifth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 and played two seasons with the team before being traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2013.
The former Pittsburgh Panther missed the majority of the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He was signed by the Patriots to a futures contract and was set to be an unrestricted free agent following the 2015 season.
In a report by ESPN, Lewis answered when asked why he signed to a deal and not opting to be a free agent, "They gave me a chance and that's all I can ask for. They gave me a chance, so it's on me to repay them as well. They showed a commitment to me and I just have to honor it and keep on going out there and making them right."
The Patriots are currently on a mission to defend and remain as Super Bowl champions despite all the controversies that rocked the team during the American Football Conference (AFC) championship game last season until the offseason.
New England had its bye week in Week 4 and will resume regular season action this Sunday taking on the Dallas Cowboys at the AT&T Stadium.
