During the lead-up to last week’s New England Patriots game, it was quietly released that offensive tackle Marcus Cannon had signed a contract extension with the team. The terms of the deal are five years for a maximum value of $32.5 million. The deal comes while Cannon is in the midst of his best full season as a Patriot and shows how much the team typically values having three players on the roster who can fill in as starting tackles (Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer are both under contract with the team). Last week the news got lost in the frenzy surrounding the announcement of Rob Gronkowski‘s surgery and subsequent placement on injured reserve, but here is a closer analysis.
Marcus Cannon Contract Extension Analysis
Congratulations In Order
Mike Reiss detailed how Cannon did not have the easiest path to the NFL, and had to work hard to carve out a spot on the team. Early in his career he was given a starting opportunity at guard in a move that did not work out well for the Patriots or Cannon. In the last two seasons, Cannon has been used exclusively at tackle and the consistency in position has improved his game. Much of the credit for his improved play has been attributed to returning offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. Regardless, it is great to see a player work at his game and turn himself into a starting caliber contributor.
A Strong Value
While the contract totals of five years and $32.5 million may seem like big totals, the break-down shows it is a team friendly contract for a player who can be relied on as a starter. $12.35 million of the deal is guaranteed, and the contract includes a $7 million. But all of that guaranteed money is spread over the first three seasons of the contact. The last two years of the deal, which fall in 2020 and 2021, are essentially team options in the $6 million range. If Cannon is able to sustain his current level of play the deal will be a bargain for the team.
Long Term Solution?
The extension does come at a curious time – in the middle of his breakout campaign after only 11 games played. Last season Cannon struggled when facing the league’s top rushers. There was no better example of this than the Patriots AFC championship game loss against the Denver Broncos. The line could not block the top ranked Broncos defense and Cannon’s struggles against Von Miller contributed to a loss where the quarterback Tom Brady was harassed for 17 total hits. What stands out about the timing of this deal is that the Patriots have not had to face an elite pass rusher yet this year, but they are quickly approaching on the schedule.
Cannon, who has exclusively played the right tackle position this season, has a tough road ahead. In the next two weeks, he will see the Baltitmore Ravens’ Elvis Dumervil and again face all-world rusher Miller in Denver. Both players rush from the offense’s right side most often. To close out the season, Cannon will have to square off against a rejuvenated Cameron Wake and the Miami Dolphins. Beyond these games, the Patriots seem destined for the playoffs where at least one match-up with the Kansas City Cheifs or Oakland Raiders appears likely. These teams feature lethal defensive ends Justin Houston and Khalil Mack, respectively. They are another pair who also prefer to rush from the offensive right.
It will be up to Cannon to continue his high level of performance and prove he is worthy of the starting right tackle job in New England against this elite competition – the Patriots season may hinge on it.
A New Direction?
The teams previous starting right tackle Vollmer will miss the entire 2016 campaign due to injury. Vollmer has mixed in Pro Bowl level play with several periods of missed time due to injury during his eight year career. However, Vollmer’s contract with the team runs out after the 2016 campaign and will make him a free agent.
It is difficult to know if the extension given to Cannon signals the end of the line for Vollmer as a Patriot or if it is an indication of how the team values having three starting caliber tackles around to protect the franchise. Cannon’s play during the teams toughest stretch of the season will go a long way to determining the answer.
