As they prepare for their title defense in the National Football League's (NFL) new season, which began yesterday, the New England Patriots recently agreed to a two-year extension deal with one of their key players in left tackle Nate Solder.
Solder's new deal is worth $20.62 million, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter's source. Meanwhile, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport added that the deal value includes a guaranteed $20 million with Pro Bowl incentives that may reach up to $1.5 million in the next three seasons.
Before agreeing to the deal, the 27-year-old left tackle was set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2015 season.
According to reports, the new deal also prevents the Pats from placing the franchise tag on Solder.
Solder was the Patriots' first-round pick (17th overall) in the 2011 NFL Draft from Colorado and has been an efficient contributor on offense being one of the main protectors of star quarterback Tom Brady on the field.
In his entire NFL career, Solder has also shown his durability, only missing one game since joining the Patriots.
Solder was also named one of the Patriots' team captains for the 2015 season together with Brady, center/guard Ryan Wendell, linebacker Jerod Mayo, safety Devin McCourty, defensive end Rob Ninkovich, and wide receiver Matthew Slater.
Following all the issues that rocked the Pats last season and this offseason regarding the Deflategate scandal, the team is looking to have a successful campaign this 2015 that they hope will result in another Super Bowl.
New England will be opening the 2015 season of the NFL on Sept. 10, hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium.
Brady, who recently got a four-game suspension overturned, is focused ahead of their game against Pittsburgh, telling reporters that it is time to do his job which is to lead the Pats while making sure that they will be able to execute their plays at a high level.
