Patriots extend Marcus Cannon two years

Two more years of Cannon. (Winslow Townson/USA Today Sports)

According to Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots have signed OL Marcus Cannon to a two year extension. This comes as a bit of a surprise, given how poorly Cannon has played at times this season. With Cameron Fleming injured most of this season, and with a position change to guard, it would appear that Cannon looks to be the Patriots swing tackle going forward. Cannon was set to be a free agent at the end of the season, after his rookie contract expires.

Patriots signed OL Marcus Cannon to a two-year contract extension, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 12, 2014

While Fleming has succeeded at being the 6th offensive lineman in their big formations, Cannon has struggled with it, and overall this season, he has not been very productive. Pro Football Focus rates Cannon as a -8.5 overall in his 329 snaps. One possible reason for the extension is to provide some position insurance should Nate Solder continue to struggle or demand too much money following his 5th-year option next season. Sebastian Vollmer is under contract through 2016, but also has a history of injuries.

With Nate Solder due a 5th-year option that will significantly raise base salary in 2015, Marcus Cannon adds layer of flexibility to team.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 12, 2014

Overall, if the money was right, this could be a sound move for the Patriots to provide themselves insurance at a key OL position with someone who has experience with the team. According to multiple sources, Cannon gets a $3.5 million signing bonus, with the maximum value coming out to $9 million.

I'm told Cannon's deal is actually worth a maximum of $9 million over two years, with a $3.2 million signing bonus. Nice get for him

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) December 12, 2014

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