Black & Red United can confirm that D.C. United have re-signed forward Patrick Mullins to a multi-year contract extension. Mullins made $126K in guaranteed compensation last year, and looks poised for a well-deserved raise. As per MLS policy, exact terms were not disclosed.
Mullins had an immediate impact in D.C., stepping into the starting lineup and scoring 8 goals in 14 games, which was good for second on the team in less than half of a season. He gave the team the right type of forward for the 4-1-4-1, allowing Luciano Acosta to create from the midfield and combining well with Lloyd Sam and Patrick Nyarko.
The long-sought-after forward was originally drafted by the New England Revolution with the 11th overall pick; many thought that D.C. United might choose him in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, but the team went with Steve Birnbaum instead. After scoring four goals in 21 games for the Revs that year, he was left exposed in the Expansion Draft and was selected by Jason Kreis and New York City FC.
Stuck behind David Villa, Tommy McNamara, and more in New York, United saw the chance to finally get Mullins and traded for him, giving up general and targeted allocation money and an international roster spot.
This is another shrewd move by Ben Olsen and Dave Kasper, locking down a young and talented key from the 2016 season. This move complements the signing of Luciano Acosta on a permanent deal and the long-term extension given to Steve Birnbaum.