The New England Patriots and quarterback Tom Brady are reportedly close to a contract extension. The “Boston Herald” reports the proposed three-year extension would start in 2012 and be worth about $58 million. At an average of $19.3 million per year, it would make Brady the highest paid quarterback in the league. Brady turned 33 last month and is set to make $6.5 million this season in the final year of his current contract. The three-time Super Bowl champ and five-time Pro Bowler has been New England’s starter since taking over for Drew Bledsoe during the 2001 season. New England finished 10-6 last year to win the AFC East, but lost to Baltimore in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Returning in 2009 after a serious knee injury that sidelined him for all but one game in ’08, Brady completed 65.7% of his passes for 4,398 yards with 28 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.