Pats exercise fifth-year option on left tackle Solder

Nate Solder will make almost $7.5 million for 2015. (USATSI)

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Since he was selected No. 17 overall in the 2011 draft, Patriots tackle Nate Solder has started 44 of the 47 games he's played, and he's coming off a season in which he ranked ninth among all tackles by Pro Football Focus.

Thus, it makes sense that New England would exercise its fifth year option on the solid left tackle, and that's exactly what the Patriots have done.

One more player officially had his 5th year option exercised on Wednesday - T Nate Solder (New England)

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 23, 2014

As pointed out in the CBSSports.com fifth-year option tracker, Solder is the ninth player from that draft class to have his option picked up.

It means that Solder, at this juncture, will play in New England in 2015 for $7.438 million

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Cowboys QB Tony Romo expected to participate in offseason workout program this week



A wide majority of NFL teams begin their offseason program this week. One of those teams is the Dallas Cowboys, who actually start today. According to ESPN Dallas, they will have a very important player around from the open of the program. Quarterback Tony Romo, who underwent back surgery in December, is expected to participate.In this first phase of offseason workouts, players can lift weights, run sprints, and conduct football activities without the supervision of coaches and scouts.



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