Packers Sign OG Lucas Patrick to Contract Extension
With Aaron Rodgers having restructured his contract in order to free up cap space for Green Bay, the Packers are already using their additional spending power to extend some key contributors.
On Saturday, the team announced that they have extended versatile offensive lineman Lucas Patrick. By finalizing this extension ahead of Saturday's 4:00 p.m. ET deadline, Patrick's deal will partially count towards this year's cap, presumably freeing up a bit more room for the offseason.
Packers announce they’ve signed Lucas Patrick to a contract extension. The deadline to have extensions count toward this year’s cap was 4pm est, so have to think that spurred the timing here. pic.twitter.com/DT6C81gGwV
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) December 28, 2019
Patrick notably filled in for center Corey Linsley earlier in the season, while also providing depth at both guard spots. An undrafted free agent out of Duke in 2016, Patrick has been a reliable depth piece throughout his tenure in Green Bay, and this extension may be paving the way towards a more prominent role for the 26 year old.
#Packers signed G Lucas Patrick to a 2-year extension worth $3.6M with a signing bonus of $350K, source said. From a tryout player 4 years ago to an extension. https://t.co/CQ8Ly4XArG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2019
Patrick's new deal is reportedly worth $3.6 million over the two seasons, and he received a $350,000 signing bonus.
With the ground heavy approach on offense this season, an investment in the offensive line was a wise maneuver by the Packers front office. Not to mention, as Aaron Rodgers continues to get older, having additional experience in the trenches will become even more important.