BUCCANEERS EXTEND BRADY, FREE 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.

Brady posted a picture of himself on Twitter, signing the extension Friday with the message: “In pursuit of 8 LFG (at) Buccaneers we’re keeping the band together.”

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.

“When we acquired Tom a year ago, we were extremely excited about the leadership, poise and winning track record that he would bring to our locker room. Since that time, he has proven himself to be the ultimate competitor and delivered in every way we had imagined, helping us capture the Lombardi Trophy,” General Manager Jason Licht said.

“Year after year,” the GM added, “Tom proves that he remains one of the elite quarterbacks in this game and we couldn’t be happier to keep him in Tampa Bay as we continue to pursue our goals together.”

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.

The five-time Super Bowl MVP capped his first season with the Bucs by leading Tampa Bay to its first championship in 18 years.

In preparation for the start of free agency next week, 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.

Patriots re-sign Newton

The Patriots are completing an agreement to re-sign free-agent quarterback Cam Newton, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The one-year deal is worth close to $14 million, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because new signings can’t be announced until the league year begins Wednesday.

Chargers release Turner

Right guard Trai Turner was released by the Chargers, less than a year after he was acquired in a trade from the Panthers.

Turner was a five-time Pro Bowl selection with the Panthers but didn’t have the same success with the Chargers. He missed seven games last season because of knee and groin injuries.

Notable

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

• The 49ers have locked up one of their key cornerbacks before the start of free agency by agreeing to a two-year contract with Emmanuel Moseley before he became a restricted free agent.

• The Jaguars re-signed cornerback Tre Herndon, preventing him from becoming a restricted free agent.

• Punter Michael Palardy agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Dolphins, a person familiar with the negotiations confirmed.

• The Bears and punter Pat O’Donnell agreed to a one-year contract extension for next season.

• The Packers have released tight end