Koppen extended

[NewsBot]

Taking a proactive approach in their free agent dealings, the Patriots made a major move today, agreeing to a long-term, multi-million dollar contract extension with center Dan Koppen.
Details of Koppen's deal are not yet known, but the move ensures that the Patriots have the centerpiece of their line in place for years to come.
Koppen, a fifth-round draft choice in 2003 who emerged as a starter as a rookie, was set to become a free agent after the 2006 season. He was one of the team's top players set for free agency, along with cornerback Asante Samuel and tight end Daniel Graham.
The Patriots now have their top seven linemen signed for the long-term. It's a group that includes left tackle Matt Light (2010), left guard Logan Mankins (2009), right guard Stephen Neal (2009), right tackle Ryan O'Callaghan (2009), swing tackle Nick Kaczur (2009) and guard/center Russ Hochstein (2008).
It isn't unusual for the Patriots to sign upcoming free agents to contract extensions. Players like Light and defensive end Jarvis Green were a few in recent years to sign extensions.


More from Mike Reiss... (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2006/10/koppen_extended.html)

[Undertaker #59]

:icon_supe Excellent news...

[Wandering Athol]

Big news! :icon_kidr

Of the big 3 2007 FAs, this one makes the most sense. The Pats are obviously very impressed with how the shoulder has healed.

If there's no help coming in at the WR position, I hope they try to extend Samuel next - healthy CBs are a rare commodity 'round these parts.

[bideau]

Great example on how to go about getting an extension. Show up at camp, honor your current contract and keep the negotiations behind the scenes.

A certain former WR could have used a lesson.

[bideau]

This is a follow-up from Mike Reiss:

One follow-up to the Dan Koppen contract extension: the deal goes through the 2011 season.
That is a key point, as the pact is a true five-year extension, meaning it is an add-on to his original deal.
This was one the sticking points in the Deion Branch negotiations. The Patriots were offering extensions that were add-ons to Branch's original deal, and Branch's camp wanted the final year of his contract ripped up.
Koppen likely receives some of his bonus money this year, which was part of the incentive to sign the deal now.

[JD10367]

I guess the Pats must not think much of this year's center at B.C., LOL...

[NewsBot]

Some emailers have asked how center Dan Koppen's deal -- a five-year extension through 2011, with $7.5 million in bonuses that could be worth up to $20 million -- compares with others around the league.
A good comparison is the contract signed by Justin Hartwig with the Carolina Panthers prior to this season. Hartwig was an unrestricted free agent and he inked a five-year, $17 million contract with $7 million in bonuses ($5 million to sign, $2 million option bonus).
It's likely that Hartwig's deal, which came on the open market, was one of the "comparables" that both sides worked off when putting the Koppen extension together.
Based on Hartwig's deal, which was signed in March, it looks like Koppen got a fair market deal. Hartwig's deal averages $3.3 million per year, while Koppen's deal -- assessed over a six-year term because it doesn't kick in until 2007 -- is at the same figure.


More from Mike Reiss... (http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2006/10/koppen_comparis.html)