The Seattle Seahawks reached a five-year, $28.5 million contract extension with outside linebacker Chad Brown, fulfilling one of the better free agent stories since the system was put in place in 1993.

Included in the deal is a two-tiered $8 million pay out, $5.5 million this season, $2.5 million next season.

Brown, 32, was one of the major free agent signings in 1997 when he agreed to a six-year, $24 million contract, making him one of the first $4 million linebackers. Brown played through this contract, which was set to expire after this season.

Brown went to two Pro Bowls during his six seasons with the Seahawks and has been considered one of the top outside linebackers in the game. He first developed into a star with the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing inside linebacker and playing along the defensive line in passing downs.

He went to the Pro Bowl for the Steelers in 1996 following a 13-sack season.

The Seahawks have two of the better outside linebacker in football, Brown and Anthony Simmons. Brown signed the deal before practice Tuesday, locking him up through the remainder of his career.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.