Browns cornerback Denzel Ward. Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK

Browns sign CB Denzel Ward to massive five-year extension

The Cleveland Browns made Denzel Ward the NFL's highest-paid cornerback on Monday, signing him to a five-year extension worth $100.5 million.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the extension includes $71.25 million guaranteed.

At $20.1 million average annual salary, Ward will make more than Los Angeles Rams corner Jalen Ramsey, who had been the highest-paid cornerback at $20 million per season on his current deal, signed in 2020.

Ward, 24, is under contract for $13.294 million this season after the Browns exercised the fifth-year option on his previous deal. The new extension will keep him in Cleveland through 2027.

Since being drafted fourth overall by the Browns in 2018, Ward has recorded 10 interceptions -- two of which were returned for touchdowns -- and 50 passes defended through 52 games. He has been selected to two Pro Bowls, going in his rookie season and again in 2021.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Russell Westbrook reacts to reports of him leaving Clippers
Ant-Man leads Timberwolves to Game 1 upset of Nuggets
Luis Arraez makes history in Padres debut
Corey Heim dominates Truck Series race at Kansas Speedway while tempers flare on pit road
Lionel Messi sets MLS record with monster game
Watch: Anthony Edwards does it all for Minnesota
Watch: 150th Kentucky Derby ends in three-horse photo finish
Clippers could see nine-time All-Star jump ship this summer
Phillies get rough injury news on Trea Turner
Watch: Yankees star Aaron Judge receives first career ejection after arguing called third strike
Mavericks lose key player for 'significant period of time'
Blue Jays manager John Schneider blasts team after latest loss
Lakers make another big change after firing Darvin Ham
Draymond Green doubles down on Knicks' inability to win a championship
Phillies lose two-time All-Star to injured list
NBA announces punishment for Lakers star over actions in elimination game
Heat may be cooling on Jimmy Butler's long-term future
NFL insider defends former Steelers QB Kenny Pickett from 'bust' label
Nuggets may miss this player as postseason run continues
Report: Russell Westbrook situation 'far more challenging' than previously thought