ASHBURN, Va. (AP) – Washington Redskins right tackle Jon Jansen signed a five-year, $23 million contract extension Tuesday.

Jansen is the team’s longest tenured player and had two years left on his previous contract, but he agreed to a new deal that includes more than $10 million in bonus money. It also gives the Redskins some salary cap relief for the free agency signing period, which begins March 2.

Jansen, who turned 31 last month, was the team’s most reliable player during his first five seasons in Washington – never missing a start – but his past three years have been marred by injuries. His missed the entire 2004 season with a ruptured Achilles’ tendon, broke both thumbs in 2005 and labored with a torn calf muscle for much of 2006.

The calf caused Jansen to miss one game and limited him in several others. Still, he helped spur a rushing attack that ranked fourth in the league. In addition, the Redskins allowed only 19 sacks this season, third fewest in the NFL.

“We are working hard in a lot of areas to help our football team right now and certainly keeping our team together is a part of that,” coach Joe Gibbs said. “Jon’s been a big part of the success we’ve had on our offensive line and we’re pleased to have this deal done.”

Jansen was a second-round draft pick from Michigan in 1999.

AP-ES-02-06-07 1817EST