Tennessee Titans defensive end Ropati Pitoitua has signed a new multi-year contract with the team.

Pitoitua was due to become an unrestricted free agent when the market opens on Tuesday, while he could have begun negotiating with other teams as early as Saturday.

However, the 28-year-old has now agreed a deal to extend his stay in Tennessee, with Titans general manager Ruston Webster hailing him as an important player for the team.

"Ropati came in last year and filled an important role for us," Webster said in a team statement.

"He has been productive and with the new coaching staff, we see him filling that same role for us moving forward. His size and length are qualities that benefit our defense and we are happy to have him back."

Pitoitua enjoyed arguably the best season of his career so far last year, recording a personal high number of starts (13), tackles (91) and sacks (four).