New England Patriots Sign Running Back Dion Lewis to 2-Year Extension Through 2017

The New England Patriots clearly aren't afraid of any fumbling problems from running back Dion Lewis. According to ESPN's Field Yates, Lewis has signed a 2-year extension with the franchise, keeping him around through the 2017 season.

Per Yates, Lewis received a $600,000 signing bonus with base salaries of $800,000 in 2016 and $1.2 million in 2017. There are an additional $1.8 million in possible incentives.

Mike Loyko notes that Lewis' contract extension is very similar to the deal running back Danny Woodhead signed in 2010, just a couple months into his Patriots career.

Lewis signed a futures contract with the Patriots prior to the season, so this extension is tremendous ascension for a player that was out of football in 2014. Lewis leads the Patriots with 325 yards from scrimmage this season, and ranks 8th in the league in average yards per game through week 4.

With Lewis under contract, the Patriots list of 2016 unrestricted free agents continues to shrink, with technically no starters up for new contracts. Key role players include fellow running back LeGarrette Blount, offensive lineman Ryan Wendell, cornerback Tarell Brown, and special teamer Nate Ebner. New acquisitions in wide receiver Keshawn Martin and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks are also free agents.

Defensive tackle Sealver Siliga is a restricted free agent, along with fullback James Develin and offensive guard Josh Kline.