New deal for OL Dan Connolly

According to the NFL Players Association official web site, offensive lineman Dan Connolly has received a two-year contract extension from the Patriots.

Connolly, a 27-year-old out of Southeast Missouri State, will make $600,000 next year, and $725,000 in 2011.

Connolly is in his second tour with the Patriots — he was initially signed as a practice squad player on Sept, 12, 2007 after a brief stint with Jacksonville, but was released by the Patriots in October 2008 before re-signing as part of the practice squad later than month. He was eventually signed to New England’s active roster last December.

Connolly has given New England a lot of good snaps this season, starting the last three games and occasionally filling the role of former lineman Russ Hochstein as a backup at several spots along the offensive line, as well as serving as an occasional goal-line fullback.