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Patriots Exercise 5th-Year Option On LT Nate Solder

BOSTON (CBS) -- The New England Patriots have exercised their fifth-year option on left tackle Nate Solder, according to CBSSports.com.

Solder, the Patriots' first pick and 17th overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, is now projected to make $7.438 million for the 2015 season.

The 26-year-old has started 44 of his 47 games played since coming into the league, and ranked ninth among all tackles last season according to Pro Football Focus.

Solder, who took over the duties of protecting Tom Brady's blind side in 2012 following Matt Light's retirement, recently spoke about how much he enjoys playing in New England on 98.5 The Sports Hub's NFL Draft Preview Show.

"There have been so many blessings," Solder told Bob Socci, the radio voice of the New England Patriots. "Winning games is great, but having good people and like-minded people around you has been a great experience for me."

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