Browns' Joe Thomas lands 7-year deal

CLEVELAND, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Cleveland Browns left offensive tackle Joe Thomas has signed a seven-year contract extension, the team announced Tuesday.

The deal for the four-time Pro Bowler is worth $84 million, making him the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported.

Thomas, taken by the Browns out of Wisconsin with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft, has played every offensive snap and made 64 consecutive starts at left tackle since then.

"To me, it's all about winning and that's why I wanted to stay here," Thomas told reporters. "I could've tried to go to free agency, but I really wanted to be here because I love being in Cleveland and I love this organization."

"I think that's terrific for the Cleveland Browns, it's terrific for Cleveland," Browns Coach Pat Shurmur added. "You're talking about a guy that's been to Pro Bowls.

"Knock on wood, he's been able to play in every practice and every game and he's done great things for this city and our organization. We're glad he's going to be with us."