One of Tom Brady's chief protectors has earned himself a new deal in New England.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports, per a source involved in the deal, that offensive tackle Nate Solder agreed to a two-year, $20.1 million extension on Wednesday. The 27-year-old, drafted in the first round back in 2011, was named one of the team's captains for the 2015 season.
This will continue a string of good fortune for the Patriots tackle, who was set to play out his fifth-year option in 2015.
Though he was looked at as more of a liability during last year's title run, Solder remains one of the top tackles in the game, especially considering how often players in front of Brady are uprooted.
Having someone understand the intricacies of New England's offense as well as the quarterback goes a long way. Solder found that out firsthand on Wednesday.