FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga., Feb. 20 (UPI) -- The Atlanta Falcons locked up linebacker Keith Brooking to a multi-year contract Thursday.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but one report said Brooking had received a six-year contract worth more than $36 million.
A Pro Bowler each of the last two seasons after moving from weakside linebacker to the inside, Brooking was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on Feb. 28.
"We are excited about retaining Keith as member of the Falcons team," said Falcons chief administrative officer Ray Anderson. "We were diligent in our efforts to retain Keith as a member of the Atlanta Falcons, and we are pleased that we were able to reach an agreement that reflects his value to the team while addressing future needs of the club."
The Falcons could have used a franchise player designation on Brooking if they had been unable to reach a multi-year agreement. That designation would have obligated them to pay Brooking $5.6 million in 2003, the average salary of the five highest paid linebackers. However, a long-term deal lowers the salary cap hit for 2003 since the team can prorate the signing bonus over the length of the contract.
The Falcons, who earned a wild card berth last season with a 9-6-1 record and became the first visiting team to ever win a playoff game at Green Bay, are building their defense around Brooking and defensive end Patrick Kerney.
Brooking, 27, recorded a career-high 212 tackles last season, the most by a Falcon since linebacker Buddy Curry had 229 tackles in 1983, and added two interceptions.
Last season, the Falcons signed Kerney, who led the team with 10 1/2 sacks, to a six-year contract.
A first-round pick out of Georgia Tech in 1998, Brooking became a full-time starter at weakside linebacker in 1999 before moving to the inside.
