Prior to the Buffalo Bills' 38-30 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday, Mark Gaughan at The Buffalo News reported that the Bills and starting outside linebacker Chris Kelsay are closing in on a contract extension.
Citing league sources, Gaughan reports that the deal - expected to be completed as soon as this week - is "believed to be" worth around $24 million.
Buffalo gave Kelsay his $500,000 roster bonus in March, signaling that he'd be kept around despite making a difficult transition from 4-3 defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker. In his first three games at his new position, Kelsay has picked up 19 total tackles, playing on the strong side and at defensive end in nickel and dime packages. Gaughan's report indicates that Buffalo's front office has been pleased with Kelsay's positional transition and what he brings to the team in the locker room.
Kelsay is in the final year of a four-year, $23 million extension he signed in February of 2007. He's recorded 152 tackles, 9.5 sacks and an interception in the 49 games he's played since he inked that deal.