The team's first proposal to Law was a four-year, $26 million extension that includes $6.6 million up front -- an offer Law considers to be "an insult."
"I felt like it was a slap in the face," Law said yesterday from Miami, where he makes his home in the offseason. "It was an insult. I didn't appreciate it at all. I thought, `Man, we've got a long way to go if that's the starting off point.' I was thinking of putting a `for sale' sign in front of my house."
After two meetings and another conversation with coach Bill Belichick following the Super Bowl, Law expected the team to offer a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $15 million, or roughly what he was due to earn in base salary over the next two years. He also wants a six- or seven-year deal, as he feels he can play at an elite level for three or four more years.
"I thought [the meetings with Belichick] were productive until I saw the offer," Law said. "I thought we were on the same page.
"I couldn't believe it. I was speechless. It was disappointing more than anything. It kind of hurt."
Belichick declined comment last night.
Law said he made it clear to Belichick that he wanted to finish his career as a Patriot. He also said he's willing to help the team's cap situation, but not at his own expense.
"I have the utmost respect for Bill Belichick as the best coach in the league," Law said. "He's getting paid accordingly and I want to get paid accordingly, as well. He got Coach of the Year, I got Defensive Back of the Year. He just redid his deal. I don't know the details, but I guarantee you this: He didn't take a pay cut."
