Packers sign OL Lucas Patrick to two-year contract extension through 2021

Lucas Patrick first came to the Green Bay Packers as a tryout player in 2016. A rookie guard from Duke, Patrick was a long shot trying to impress in the Packers' rookie minicamp.

A little less than four years later, Patrickhas solidified himself as a key piece of the Packers' offensive line, and he finally cashed in with a nice payday. On Saturday, the Packers announced that they have signed Patrick to a two-year contract extension, which will keep him in green and gold through 2021.

According to Matt Schneidman of the Athletic, the deal will be worth a total of $3.6 million in new money. If his base salary is around the league minimum in both of those years, that would equate to about $2 million tied up in signing, workout, and roster bonuses. And because the signing takes place before Saturday's deadline, one third of Patrick's signing bonus will go on the 2019 salary cap rather than being split 50/50 in 2020 and 2021.

Patrick now has some financial security and the Packers get him locked up before he hits restricted free agency. He would have been a RFA this offseason after accruing three seasons of experience.

Depending on what happens with Bryan Bulaga in the offseason, Patrick may also be in line for a bigger role next season. If Bulaga does not return, the team may shift Billy Turner out to right guard, which could open up a starting spot for Patrick to claim.