The Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms on a contract extension with linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, one of their best young defenders.
Owusu-Koramoah is signing a three-year deal worth up to $39 million with $25 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday, per sources. The team has since announced the extension.
"Cleveland has become a place where I've felt truly connected, where I've been able to align my values with my work on and off the field," Owusu-Koramoah said, via the team's official website. "I'm deeply grateful to the Browns organization for believing in me and for this opportunity to continue this journey together. I'm excited to keep pushing forward, to build on the foundation we've set and to work tirelessly alongside my teammates to achieve greatness for this city and its incredible fans."
At an average of $13 million per year, Owusu-Koramoah will become the NFL's sixth-highest paid linebacker in terms of average salary per year, just behind the Steelers' Patrick Queen at roughly $13.7 million APY, according to Over The Cap.
Owusu-Koramoah, 24, is considered one of the best young defensive players in the NFL, coming off a Pro Bowl season in 2023 in which he collected 101 combined tackles (20 for losses), 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble in 16 games (13 starts). He's also highly valued for his coverage ability, helping the Browns finish last season as one of the league's highest-rated defenses.
More will be expected from "JOK" this season considering the offseason losses of fellow linebackers Sione Takitaki and Anthony Walker. It's possible that Owusu-Koramoah will be the Browns' "green dot" defender -- the player who receives play calls through the helmet communication system and then relays them to his teammates on the field -- this season.
The Browns clearly believe Owusu-Koramoah is worth the added responsibility if his new contract extension is any indication.
