Browns sign defensive lineman John Hughes to contract extension

The Cleveland Browns have signed defensive end John Hughes to a contract extension, the team announced Friday.

The Cleveland Browns have signed defensive end John Hughes to a contract extension, the team announced Friday.

The deal is worth $14.4 million over four years and includes $3.56 million in guaranteed money and a $2.5 million signing bonus, reports Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot.

Injuries limited Hughes to only five games last season. The 26-year-old recorded four sacks and 67 total tackles over his first two seasons after being drafted in the third round in 2012.

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“It's an amazing feeling,” Hughes said, according to the team's website. “For the Cleveland Browns to have the faith in me and believe in me to sign me a year early, it's just a great feeling.”

Ahtyba Rubin, who started 11 games at nose tackle for the Browns last season, is free to sign with any team as an unrestricted free agent.

The Browns ranked last in the NFL in rushing defense last season. Cleveland went 7-9 and finished in last place in the AFC North.

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