The New England Patriots had found their next long-term starting center – or so it seemed. In 2014, the team won a Super Bowl with rookie fourth round pick Bryan Stork in the middle of the offensive line. However, entering the 2015 season, he was battling concussions and inconsistent play.
As a result, undrafted rookie David Andrews took over; first as an injury replacement, then – after Stork was let go last offseason – as the starter. With the Georgia product anchoring the line over the last two years, the Patriots went 28-2 as Andrews earned the trust of the coaching staff and quarterback Tom Brady.
Consequently, yesterday's reports did not come as a surprise. First, CSNNE's Mike Giardi tweeted that the Patriots and Andrews were closing in on a contract extension. Two hours later, ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss reported that a deal was indeed signed and will keep the 24-year old in Foxboro through the 2020 season.
By keeping Andrews in the fold, the Patriots now have the majority of their starting offensive line under contract for the foreseeable future:
LT Nate Solder: through 2017
LG Joe Thuney: through 2019
OC David Andrews: through 2020
RG Shaq Mason: through 2018
RT Marcus Cannon: through 2021
Andrews would have become a restricted free agent next offseason. Due to the extension – the financial value of which has not yet been reported –, though, four fifths of the offensive line are now under contract at least two more seasons.
[UPDATE 6:45 am ET] More details of the deal emerged. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, it is a three-year extension worth $9.0 million.