Wednesday 30 November 2016 12:58, UK
The New England Patriots have reached a five-year contract extension with right tackle Marcus Cannon, according to the NFL.
The deal is reported to be worth $32.5m, with $14.5m guaranteed. Cannon was due to become a free agent at the end of the 2016 season.
Cannon has primarily served as the third tackle on the Patriots roster since being selected in the fifth round of the 2011 draft.
However, an injury to long-time starter Sebastian Vollmer has opened the door for Cannon to gain more playing time this season and he has taken full advantage of the opportunity.
Cannon has been arguably the standout player on the Patriots offensive line this season - a unit which has been much improved after veteran offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia came out of retirement to coach them.
The 28-year-old Cannon was recently singled out by Scarnecchia for his impressive play this season.
"The improvement we've noticed has really been this year. We asked him to play a different way and do things differently," Scarnecchia said. "He's such a good guy, he really tries to do them that way, and I think he's made great strides.
"He's a big man [6ft 5in, 335lbs] that moves very well and uses his hands much better in pass protection. He can be a real force in the run game, so I'm pleased with where he is."
The new deal for Cannon likely means Vollmer - who has missed the entire season with a hip injury - will be allowed at the end of the season when his contract expires.
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