Brady signs extension, frees salary cap space

Tom Brady has agreed to a contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that provides the Super Bowl champions with much-needed salary cap relief and will help the seven-time NFL champion reach a goal of playing until he’s at least 45.

The extension confirmed by the team frees about $19 million in salary cap space, a move that improves Tampa Bay’s chances of returning as much of its championship roster as possible for 2021.

Seven starters from the Super Bowl were among two dozen Buccaneers eligible to become free agents next week.

Brady’s extension adds an extra season on the two-year, $50 million contract he signed in free agency last March following a 20-year run with the New England Patriots.

In preparation for the start of free agency next week, general manager Jason Licht placed the franchise tag on receiver Chris Godwin and signed linebacker Lavonte David to a two-year,

$25 million contract that was announced Friday.

David’s contract, of which $20 million is guaranteed, includes voidable years that make it salary cap friendly.

Brady’s extension also includes voidable years to provide cap relief this winter.

■ Bills: Buffalo agreed to sign offensive lineman Daryl Williams to a three-year contract on Friday, days before the starter was eligible to become a free agent.

■ Chargers: Right guard Trai Turner was released by Los Angeles on Friday, less than a year after he was acquired in a trade from Carolina.

■ Chiefs: Kansas City is expected to restructure the contract of quarterback Patrick Mahomes to provide cap space relief. The team is expected to convert Mahomes’ $21.7 million roster bonus to a signing bonus, saving the team $17 million against the cap, according to ESPN.

■ Dolphins: Punter Michael Palardy agreed to terms on a one-year deal.

■ Jaguars: Jacksonville resigned cornerback Tre Herndon on Friday, preventing him from becoming a restricted free agent.

■ Packers: Green Bay released versatile tight end John Lovett. Lovett played eight games last season while making contributions on offense and special teams.

■ Patriots: New England is completing an agreement to re-sign free-agent quarterback Cam Newton. The one-year deal is worth close to $14 million.