Seymour thinking long-term

In the end, maybe it was the money, maybe it was the security, maybe it was the feeling that he was truly wanted, which some Patriots who have departed haven't felt. Whatever it was, Richard Seymour is happy, and he said so yesterday, a day after signing a four-year, $30 million contract extension to remain in New England.

''You can have all of the money in the world but if you are not happy truly then it really doesn't make a difference," said Seymour. ''There was a place and I had to come to a comfort level where I feel happy. I was comfortable at the end of the day. My kids, they always talk about the Patriots. Every time they see football on TV, it's Patriots, Patriots, Patriots. I'm just happy that the opportunity for the stability and not wondering what's going to happen just from a business standpoint to be able to nail down a deal."

It wasn't easy for Seymour to stay away from the Patriots during a contract dispute at the beginning of training camp last season, before the team ponied up an additional $2.5 million to keep him satisfied until a long-term extension could be finalized. In fact, he took a reporter to task yesterday whom he felt wrongly portrayed him during the holdout as a player who let his pride get the better of him.

''I don't think I look at it that way just as far as [being] a prideful guy and letting my pride get in the way of the things that I have to do," said Seymour. ''I'm just saying that's how it came across, like [I was behaving] in an arrogant, prideful way, but I just wanted to say that for anybody who knows me, that's definitely the furthest thing from the truth. I think I've always maintained the standpoint of, 'I just want to be paid fairly.' I think at the end of the day that's what both sides came across to agree upon."

Seymour's new deal runs through the 2009 season, when he'll be 29 years old. He receives a $5.34 million signing bonus and his base salary will be $585,000 for 2006. Sometime prior to the '07 season, Seymour will receive a whopping $18.66 million option bonus. If by remote chance the option is not picked up by the team he'll receive $19.26 million.

Given the likelihood that it will be picked up, Seymour's base salary for '07 will be $600,000. His base in '08 will be $730,000 and in '09 he is scheduled to earn $3.685 million. He also will receive workout bonuses of $100,000 through 2009.

It was never a slam dunk that the extension for Seymour would get worked out, but after significant free agent losses this offseason, the Patriots wanted to dispel the notion they don't pay their players top dollar, even though in the end they came within $200,000 of matching the Indianapolis Colts' offer to free agent kicker Adam Vinatieri, according to a league source.

''I didn't want to [leave], but unfortunately that's the reality of the business and a part that as players, and also as management, no one likes to go through; but it's something that has to be done and you have to do your due diligence. It's part of the process and I understood that and I just looked at it from a business standpoint," said Seymour.

''I was always thankful just to have the opportunity to play in the National Football League and I'm thankful to the Kraft family and also the Patriots. I'm honored to be back in a Patriot uniform. I've said all along that this is the place where I wanted to be and if the good Lord says the same, I would like to retire a Patriot, and I think we took another step this week in trying to make that come true.

''I've never had the opportunity to see how other teams run and function. I just know being a part of the New England Patriots, it's a first-class organization. Both sides made a great effort and I'm happy that the process is over and I can just kind of move forward as far as football is concerned."

Seymour said he was kept apprised of the negotiations from the start. He said he has never been the type of player to tell his agent to just get it done.

''I always like to be informed on whatever the process is and having an understanding and being able to make the final decision on the things that I want to do," Seymour said. ''I didn't have that same mentality when I first came into the league. I was, 'Hey, OK, I'll do whatever you say because I don't really have that background.' Throughout the process I was informed and able to make more educated decisions. That's kind of how the whole process took place. I think, for me, information is power. The more information that I have, the more powerful and more informed decision that I can make."

He lamented the departures of Vinatieri, Willie McGinest, and David Givens in free agency, championship-caliber players who are difficult to replace.

''I believe that at the end of the day everything happens for a reason," Seymour said of his own situation. ''Maybe it was to grow my patience in a lot of different areas and just mature me as a man. I always thought good things come to those who wait anyway. I'm just glad that this process is behind me. If I can be able to play five more years like I've played so far, as far as my success and the team's success, I think I'd be pretty happy at the end of the day as far as repeating the Super Bowls and Pro Bowls and All-Pros, and things of that nature."

He was even asked whether he likes coach Bill Belichick.

''Why wouldn't I?" he said. ''I don't care who it is or what is going on, I just think at the end of the day, just to be real honest, we're brothers. Sometimes you fight, but at the end of the day you know you still love each other. I don't love Coach Belichick like I love my kids and my wife, but at the same time I think there is definitely a level of respect that I have for him.

''When you look at his track record, he is the winningest coach in the last four years. That speaks for itself. Myself, I'm like a sponge. I know he has a lot of knowledge and wisdom on a lot of issues as far as football is concerned that can help me out because he's coached a lot of great players. He's always pushing me to go to higher levels and that's something that I definitely respect and would like to grow with as well."

Globe staff writer Mike Reiss contributed to this report.