VERSATILE Adelaide defender Andy Otten has rejected free agency to sign a new two-year deal that will tie him to the Crows until the end of the 2017 season.

Otten returned from a knee reconstruction this year, playing the final eight games of the SANFL season.

The 26-year-old said that although he fielded offers from rival clubs as an unrestricted free agent, he felt the need to repay the Crows for their faith during his rehabilitation.

"I really want to repay the faith the club has showed in me, particularly over the last few years, which have been pretty tough from a personal perspective," Otten said.

"I love the club, the playing group and the culture that we're developing. I know we're heading in the right direction and I want to be a part of team success here in the future."

The club's head of football David Noble said Otten's return after a full pre-season would provide it with another option at both ends of the field.

He praised Otten's diligence during his recovery.

Otten has played 79 senior games in an injury-plagued career since being drafted by the Crows with pick No. 27 at the 2007 NAB AFL Draft.

"He came extremely close to breaking into the AFL team this year and we're excited about what he can bring to our team, both in defence and up forward, with a full pre-season," Noble said.

"We've showed faith in Andy and we're very pleased that he's continued to show faith in us."