NFL: Colts sign LB Jackson to $22 million deal

Veteran inside linebacker D'Qwell Jackson signed a four-year, $22 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

Welcome to the Colts, D'Qwell!

— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) March 6, 2014

Owner Jim Irsay first announced the signing Thursday on his personal Twitter account. The deal includes $11 million guaranteed.

"He is a team-first guy that has been a very consistent producer on the field," said general manager Ryan Grigson of Jackson, who has six 100-tackle season "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."

The Colts traded their first-round pick to the Cleveland Browns and are expected to be aggressive in free agency.

Jackson, a widely respected team captain in Cleveland, was released last Wednesday by the Browns, who were on the hook for a $4.1 million roster bonus due March 15. He visited the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans before signing with the Colts. Jackson reunites with fired head coach Rob Chudzinski, who joined Chuck Pagano's coaching staff last month.

Jackson was seventh in the NFL in tackles (141) last season.

"If you haven't paid attention to this organization, then you're not a fan of any sport," Jackson said Thursday after joining the Colts. "What this organization has been able to accomplish the last decade, more than that, I've watched them.

"I've been a huge fan of what they've accomplished the last two years after having a reign of success for 14 years, having a down year one year and bouncing back and losing your coach and having him come back. It's definitely a testament to what they do in this building. I'm more than excited to be a part of [it].”

The move was the first major transaction for Browns new general manager Ray Farmer.

"D'Qwell is the epitome of class, leadership and professionalism, Farmer said. "Every day of his NFL career, D'Qwell has been a solid representative of the Browns and the city of Cleveland, both between the lines on Sundays and off the field in our area community."

Jackson, the Browns' second-round pick in 2006 out of Maryland, started 96 games in eight seasons for the Browns.

"To the people of Cleveland and Browns fans everywhere: 8 years ago I began a journey that blessed me with the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful organization and community," Jackson said in a statement. "I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you for opening your arms and hearts to my family and I, and for making Cleveland an easy place to love and call home. It's been an honor playing in front of you."

Jackson, 30, signed a contract extension last year worth $42.5 million - including $19 million in guarantees and bonuses. In addition to the $4.1 million roster bonus, Jackson was set to make $3.93 million this season. His salaries for 2015 and 2016 were $7.73 million and $7 million, respectively.

The Colts also released starting center Samson Satele, saving $4 million in salary cap space, made an exclusive rights tender to outside linebacker Cam Johnson and made qualifying offers to restricted free agents cornerback Josh Gordy and guard Joe Reitz.

Satele was originally signed by the Colts as an unrestricted free agent on March 21, 2012. In 2013, he started all 13 games he appeared in while making two starts in the playoffs.

Johnson was acquired by the Colts in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 2, 2013. Last season, he saw action in 12 games and totaled two tackles and six special teams stops.

Gordy appeared in 12 games in 2013 and registered nine tackles, three passes defensed, one interception and four special teams stops.

Reitz saw action in 14 games, making three starts in 2013. He helped pave the way for the Colts to rush for 1,743 yards, their highest single-season total since 2006. - Reuters