Browns Have Discussed Contract Extension With OLB Jabaal Sheard

Browns OLB Jabaal Sheard told reporters on Tuesday that there have been talks between the two parties regarding a contract extension that would keep him in Cleveland for the foreseeable future.

• Sheard added that he loves the city of Cleveland and the Browns organization.

The Browns signed Paul Kruger to a sizable contract in free agency last year and later used their 2012 first-round pick on Barkevious Mingo, so the competition at outside linebacker has really increased. However, neither Kruger nor Mingo was able to step in and have the kind of impact that the team envisioned they would in 2013, which is likely the reason for touching base with Sheard regarding a possibly extension.

Sheard, 25, is entering the third year of his four-year, $5.09 million contract and will make $994,125 for the 2014 season.

Last year, he appeared in 13 games and totaled 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a recovery for the Browns defense. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 11 outside linebacker in a 3-4 system, which is a considerable improvement from 2012 when he was one of the worst 4-3 defensive ends in terms of rushing the passer.