Colts sign linebacker D'Qwell Jackson to 4-year, $22 million deal

D'Qwell Jackson played all but one of Cleveland's 1,150 defensive snaps last season. (Al Pereira/Getty Images)

The Colts signed veteran linebacker D'Qwell Jackson to a four-year deal, the team announced on Thursday.

The deal is worth $22 million with $11 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Browns released Jackson last week before he was set to receive a $4.1 million roster bonus.

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In seven seasons in Cleveland, the 30-year-old had five 100-tackle seasons, including a career-high 158 in 2011. The 2006 second-round pick out of Maryland also had 11.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and eight interceptions. His 418 tackles since 2011 are fourth most in the NFL over that span.

"We are pleased to announce the signing of inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson," general manager Ryan Grigson said in a statement. "He is a team-first guy that has been a very consistent producer on the field. The tempo, energy and determination he plays with are right up there with the best in this league.

"He brings a welcomed element of experience and natural leadership to our team, and we are excited to add him to the strong nucleus of linebackers we currently have on our roster."

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