ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - One of the most-popular Rams signs a deal to stay with the team through the 2017 season.

Team vice president Kevin Demoff announced Saturday that St. Louis has inked linebacker James Laurinaitis to a five-year contract extension.

KMOX Post-Dispatch Rams insider Jim Thomas reports the deal is worth $41.5 million, with $23.5 million of that guaranteed.

Demoff told Thomas, “There is no player who embodies what we want on and off the field more than James Laurinaitis.”

Laurinaitis signed the deal before heading to Detroit for Sunday’s season-opener.