FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots and starting left tackle Nate Solder agreed Wednesday to a two-year contract extension worth $20.62 million, an NFL source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
The move ensures quarterback Tom Brady's blindside protector will be under contract to the team through the 2017 season. Solder, who was voted a first-time team captain this year, was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
The source told Schefter that one of the terms of the contract is that the Patriots cannot use the franchise tag or transition tag on Solder after 2017.
Solder's three-year deal is now worth $27.5 million. He was scheduled to earn $7.438 million this year.
The 6-foot-8, 325-pound Solder joined the team as a first-round draft choice (17th overall) out of Colorado in 2011. He has been one of the team's most consistent and durable players, missing just one game in his four seasons. He has also started 10 playoff games.
Solder also was presented with the team's annual Community Service Award this offseason.