The Cleveland Browns are reportedly rewarding underappreciated inside linebacker Christian Kirksey with a big-time four-year contract extension.
Inked.
@Kirksey pic.twitter.com/8lYLa4eoEw
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 30, 2017
#Browns ILB Christian Kirksey is signing a 4-year contract extension worth $38M with $20M guaranteed, sources say. 148 tackles last year. 💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 30, 2017
The $20 million guaranteed would put Kirksey into the top five of inside linebackers. It’s a huge contract for this position.
Originally a third-round pick out of Iowa in 2014, Kirksey emerged as a big-time player for Cleveland last year, which was his first as a full-time starter. In addition to his big tackle total, the linebacker had 2.5 sacks last season and was a stud against the run.
Browns LB Christian Kirksey led the league's LBs with his 63 defensive stops last season, more than his previous two seasons combined. pic.twitter.com/J5zFnA8P7q
— PFF (@PFF) May 29, 2017
Cleveland has definitely committed to shoring up its defensive front based on what we’ve seen the past year or so. Since making the move to acquire outside linebacker Jamie Collins in a trade, the Browns have continued to bring in top-level talent to make their front seven one that should be highly imposing in the years to come.