"There are no talks currently going on for a new contract for Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who can be a free agent after this season.

But a league source said the inactivity is no reason to believe the Browns won't make a concerted pitch to tie up Jackson long-term before free agency rolls around in March.

"I'm sure they're going to wait to see how they finish the season," the source said.

Jackson may be the Browns' most valuable player this season. By the end of the year, he will be a strong candidate for NFL comeback player of the year. After missing 22 games because of torn pectoral muscle injuries in 2009 and '10, Jackson has been an anchor in the middle of coordinator Dick Jauron's 4-3 defense. He leads the Browns with 91 tackles -- almost doubling runner-up Ahtyba Rubin's 47. Jackson is fourth on the team with 2 1/2 sacks, has an interception and forced fumble and leads with two fumble recoveries.

In March, Jackson signed a one-year contract for a base salary of $1.6 million with the opportunity to earn about $3 million in incentives. He is on target to max out on the incentives.

The Browns have given new deals this year to left tackle Joe Thomas, tight end Evan Moore, Rubin and linebacker Chris Gocong. So what's the holdup with Jackson? "