Browns give LB Kirksey 4-year, $38-million extension

The Cleveland Browns have rewarded linebacker Christian Kirksey with a four-year, $38 million contract extension on Tuesday.

Kirksey led the Browns with 148 tackles last season, third-most in the NFL. He was scheduled to become a free agent after the 2017 season.

The 24-year-old Kirksey emerged as one of the team's building blocks with his stellar season, his third in the NFL.

"(Browns coach) Hue Jackson has been telling me from Day One that I have a chance to be a great player in this league and for them to offer me this contract speaks volumes," Kirksey said in the team's press release.

"I am glad to be here and to be a Brown for a long time. This is my home. This is where I want to be. I love my teammates and we are ready to get this thing rolling. I am excited for the future."

Kirksey was on the field last season for all but two of the team's defensive snaps. He also had 2.5 sacks and three passes defensed.

"He is another example of a young talented football player that we want to be part of our organization for the long-term," executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown said in a statement. "Chris reflects the hard work and commitment we want in our locker room. He has done everything asked of him since he was drafted and has developed into an impact starter."

Kirksey was a third-round out of Iowa in 2014. He will make $1.797 million this season as part of the rookie contract he signed.