Browns Sign Cornerback to Record-Breaking Deal

The Cleveland Browns just made Denzel Ward the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history with a five-year, $100.5 million contract extension. The 24-year-old certainly put up a note-worthy performance last year. Over 15 games, he recorded three interceptions, one of which was a pick six, along with thirty-four solo tackles and ten deflected passes.

#Browns and CB Denzel Ward have agreed to a 5-year, $100.5 milllion contract

(via Ian Rapoport) pic.twitter.com/cUyPg9rN6L
— Sportskeeda Pro Football (@SKProFootball) April 18, 2022

Ward's 2021 pick six was a memorable one. Having intercepted a Joe Burrow pass intended for Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase, Ward turned the ball around for a ninety-nine yard touchdown. Ward's interception stood as the longest of any player in the 2021 season.

Ward's contract extension also guarantees him $71.25 million, putting him $0.05 million above Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey in guaranteed money. The Browns are locking up their core players this year, and the addition of QB Deshaun Watson on a five-year deal shows they're looking to win now.

The Browns have their foundation under contract for quite a while:

Deshaun Watson (2026)
Nick Chubb (2024)
Amari Cooper (2024)
Myles Garrett (2026)
Denzel Ward (2027)
Joel Bitonio (2026)
Wyatt Teller (2025)
Greg Newsome (2026)#Browns
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) April 18, 2022