The New England Patriots have locked up their top reserve offensive lineman.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday night, via a source who has seen the deal, the team signed Marcus Cannon to a two-year contract extension worth up to $9 million. The offensive lineman scored a $3.2 million signing bonus.
Cannon opened the season as the starter at left guard. He lost his job in Week 4, when rookie Bryan Stork took over at center, kicking Dan Connolly out to guard.
Since then, Cannon has been relegated to swing tackle and sixth lineman in jumbo packages.
The improved offensive line has contributed to Tom Brady's turnaround over the past two months.
Extending Cannon gives the Patriots a fallback option with Connolly due to hit free agency in 2015.
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