Former University of Maryland linebacker D'Qwell Jackson has been in the NFL six years, all with the Cleveland Browns. Now, based on his stellar play, the Browns have all but assured that he will remain with them for the rest of his career.
According to a story on NFL.com, Jackson and the Browns agreed on a contract extension that will pay him $42.5 million over five years, with a whopping $19 million guaranteed. With over 150 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2011, Jackson is among the better linebackers in the league.
The Browns had no intention of losing D'Qwell to free agency, planning to place the Franchise Tag on him had they not reached a mutual agreement. While he is on the Baltimore Ravens rival in the AFC North, it's good to see a former Terp doing well and finally getting paid.