The ' defense has emerged down the stretch this season as the most dominant force in football. Again. They are making sure that they keep their group together. Just one day after signing linebacker , the signed defensive end to a four-year extension. Alexandar Georgiev Jersey NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport broke the news, reporting with $16 million guaranteed.Avril would have been our choice as MVP last season, but this news does come as a bit of a surprise. Avril has only 4.5 sacks this season, although that number is deceiving. ProFootballFocus charts 38 quarterback hurries for Avril and nine quarterback hits. He's ranked as their seventh best pa s rusher at defensive end, just behind teammate . Avril and Bennett both arrived as free agent bargains in 2013 and have been re-signed at larger prices.Only 28 years old, Avril provides a quality veteran pa s rushing option along with Bennett. The can look for a pa s rusher of the future in the draft with the knowledge that their starting lineup is e sentially set for the next few years. has made it clear that he's going to spend to keep his defense together, while hoping to develop the offense along the way.It's incredible to look at the ' defenders who are now signed long-term. Carroll and general manager John Schneider have inked long-term deals with Wright, Avril, Bennett, , , and . It is difficult to keep great defenses together, but this group has a chance -- a chance -- to go down as one of the all-time great units.Next on Seattle's list, of course, will be quarterback . Linebacker 's rookie contract is also up at the end of the 2015 season. The have shown they will take care of their guys, so we'd expect Wilson and Wagner to get new deals next year.The latest Around The NFL Podcast and recaps the ' win over the . Find more Around The NFL content on . Chase Bradley Jersey