Sunday, September 7, 2008 - Page updated at 04:15 PM

Broncos LB Williams signs five-year extension

The Denver Broncos signed linebacker D.J. Williams to a five-year contract extension Sunday.

DENVER —

The Denver Broncos signed linebacker D.J. Williams to a five-year contract extension Sunday.

The deal was first reported by the NFL Network and Rocky Mountain News, which said that the contract is worth $32 million, including $13 million in guaranteed money.

Williams has played all three linebacker positions since being drafted by the Broncos in 2004. He lined up at middle linebacker last season for the first time in his career, and was credited with 170 tackles, the most by a Broncos player in five seasons. He also had a sack, three forced fumbles and an interception.

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Williams was switched back to the weakside slot for this season, as Nate Webster inherited the middle linebacker duties.

Williams was recently voted a defensive captain by his teammates, along with Champ Bailey.

After starting three years at the University of Miami, Williams was taken by Denver with the 17th overall pick in 2004. He has started 62 games since he was selected.

The Broncos open the season at Oakland on Monday night.

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