Green Bay, WI (Best E Casino) - The Green Bay Packers signed nose tackle Ryan Pickett to a long-term extension through the 2013 season on Friday.

Pickett, 30, who has spent the last four seasons of his nine-year career with the Packers, totaled 47 tackles and one pass defensed while serving as a key cog in the team's top-ranked run defense in 2009.

"We have continued to talk to Ryan and his representatives and are pleased we were able to sign Ryan to this extension," said Packers general manager Ted Thompson. "He has been a key part of our success on defense, and we look forward to having Ryan be a part of our future in Green Bay."

Drafted in the first round of the 2001 draft by St. Louis, the Ohio State product has 280 tackles and 8 1/2 career sacks in 134 regular season games with the Packers and Rams.