Cleveland Browns getting ready for new season

The Cleveland Browns today signed linebacker D’Qwell Jackson to a multi-year contract extension, the club announced.

A veteran of six NFL seasons, Jackson returned to the field in 2011 and started all 16 games at middle linebacker after missing the previous 26 consecutive regular season games due to two separate pectoral injuries. Last season, he led the AFC and ranked second in the NFL with 158 tackles while setting a career-high with 3.5 sacks

. Jackson also posted three defensive fumble recoveries, a figure that tied for the AFC-lead and tied for second in the NFL. He also notched one interception, one forced fumble and three passes defensed as the Browns defense ranked 10^th overall. Jackson was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September, voted as a first alternate middle linebacker for the AFC Pro Bowl squad and was honored as the club’s recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award. He finished second in the voting for NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award behind Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford.