Sebastian Vollmer has signed a new contract with the New England Patriots, keeping him with the team for another four years.

The offensive tackle had been a free agent after reaching the end of his previous deal with the AFC East champions.

The 28-year-old German's new contract is worth $27m (£17.8m).

Vollmer missed just one game for the Patriots in 2012, despite reporting pain in his knee and back for much of the campaign.