The Kansas City Chiefs signed fullback Anthony Sherman to a contract extension Wednesday.

Sherman, 25, was set to become a free agent after the season. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“It was important for us to keep Anthony here in Kansas City,” general manager John Dorsey said in a statement. “He brings a lot to our football team with not only his play, but his work ethic, leadership and character. He doesn’t get a lot of recognition at his position, but he has been a key component to our success as a team.”

The 5-foot-10, 242-pound Sherman has played in 51 games (21 starts) in four NFL seasons with the Chiefs (2013-14) and Arizona Cardinals (2011-12). His career numbers include 36 catches for 315 yards with two receiving touchdowns. On the ground, he owns five carries for 14 yards.

With the Chiefs, Sherman has played in all 23 games (10 starts) in his two seasons with the team. His Chiefs numbers include 23 catches for 204 yards with two touchdown receptions and four carries for 11 yards.

Sherman serves as the lead blocker for Chiefs all-time leading rusher Jamaal Charles. In 2013, Sherman helped pave the way for Charles, who racked up 1,287 rushing yards. While in Arizona, Sherman led running back Beanie Wells to his first career 1,000-yard season.

Sherman entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick of the Cardinals in the 2011 draft.