Tight end Aaron Hernandez and the New England Patriots have finalized a five-year, $40 million contract extension. The deal runs through 2018.

Hernandez received a $12.5 million signing bonus and $16.4 million guaranteed.

He had been under contract through 2013, and the new deal begins after that. Rob Gronkowski signed a six-year, $54 million extension through 2019 earlier this offseason, so two of the Patriots' most explosive young weapons will be in town for the better part of the next decade.

“Any contract that we agree to is one that we're in support of,” Bill Belichick said, speaking generally. “If we agree to a contract on a player, then we're in support of that player, the length of the contract, the amount that we're paying him, all the other things that go with the contract. We wouldn't do it if we weren't in support of it, as an organization, me personally, all of the above.”

More specifically about Hernandez, Belichick said, “Aaron has improved a lot. He's worked hard. He's improved a lot in all phases of the game — passing game, running game, protection and his overall versatility. He's done a good job for us.”

Stallworth among cuts

Wide receiver Donte Stallworth has been released by the Patriots as the team reached the 75-man roster limit on Monday.

They have also cut defensive end Tim Bulman, the Milton, Mass., native and Boston College product. The team also released wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, defensive back Ross Ventrone and defensive lineman Gerard Warren. Defensive back Will Allen, safety Josh Barrett and fullback Spencer Larsen were placed on injured reserve.

Tight end Jake Ballard and defensive lineman Myron Pryor were placed on the Reserve/Physical Unable to Perform list, while rookie free agent offensive lineman Markus Zusevics was placed on the Reserve/Non Football Injury List. The Patriots also claimed first-year wide receiver Kerry Taylor.

Information from a Patriots press release was used in this report.