The Cleveland Browns have signed LB Christian Kirksey to a four-year contract extension.

"Christian Kirksey brings a lot to this football team," said Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown. "He's another example of a young talented football player that we want to be part of our organization for the long-term. 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. We are very pleased to get a new deal with him in place. We look forward to watching him continue to emerge as a leader of our team and establish a culture of winning here in Cleveland."

"First and foremost I want to thank the Haslams for this opportunity and the organization for believing in me," Kirksey said. "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. 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 finished third in the league with a career-high 148 tackles last season. He registered 10 games with at least nine tackles. Kirksey added 2.5 sacks and three passes defensed. He played all but two defensive snaps in 2016.

Kirksey is 6-2, 235 pounds and entering his fourth NFL season out of Iowa. Originally selected by the Browns in the third round of the 2014 draft, Kirksey has appeared in 48 games with 29 starts. He has logged 271 career tackles, eight sacks, seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Kirksey has added 23 special-teams stops.