CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Browns have signed linebacker D'Qwell Jackson to a multi-year contract extension.

Terms of the deal were not immediately known

Jackson made a strong comeback last season, making 158 tackles - second most in the NFL - after missing nearly two complete seasons with chest injuries. A team leader, the 28-year-old Jackson finished second in voting for the league's Comeback Player of the Year to Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The Browns made it known late in the season they intended to re-sign Jackson, who was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month. Jackson also wanted to return to the Browns because of the loyalty they showed when he was injured.

With Jackson signed, it's possible the club could use its franchise tag on kicker Phil Dawson for the second straight year.