Browns extend LB Christian Kirksey with a 4 year deal

• The Cleveland Browns announced on Tuesday that they have agreed to terms with Linebacker Christian Kirksey on a 4-year contract extension worth $38 million.

• Kirksey has elevated his play in each of his first three seasons and in 2016 he graded as tied for the 22nd best off the ball linebacker with an overall grade of 81.5.

• Kirksey has developed into a dominant force defending the run. In 2016 his run-defense grade of 84.9 ranked fourth among linebackers and his 46 run stops ranked first amongst inside linebackers(A stop is a tackle resulting in an offensive failure).

• In 2016, Kirksey was effective as a pass rusher off blitzes. His pass-rush productivity of 16.0 ranked fifth among inside linebackers with at least 40 pass rush snaps. He produced 16 pressures (two sacks, four hits, ten hurries) on 78 pass rush snaps.