Marcus Cannon must like being a member of the New England Patriots, because he’s reportedly forgoing free agency to sign a contract extension.
The offensive tackle signed a two-year, $9 million extension with the Patriots that locks him up through 2016, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Thursday. Cannon’s deal comes with a $3.2 million signing bonus, The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin tweeted.
Cannon started the season as the Patriots’ starting left guard before losing the role after three games. He’s since served as a reserve behind left tackle Nate Solder and right tackle Sebastian Vollmer.
Cannon originally was drafted in the fifth round out of TCU in the 2011 NFL draft. He has 10 career starts with the Patriots.
The contract extension comes as a bit of a surprise, since the Patriots drafted similar offensive lineman Cameron Fleming in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft. Fleming, when healthy, has played as a hybrid tight end/sixth offensive lineman for the Patriots over Cannon. The Patriots might view Fleming long-term at guard, however, where he started in Week 4.
Thumbnail photo via Elise Amendola/Associated Press
