Browns Could Extend CB Denzel Ward

Those extensions were all second contracts for young stars. Denzel Ward could be the first veteran to benefit from the recent explosion in cornerback pay. The 29-year-old is coming off his third straight Pro Bowl and posted a league-high 19 passes defended in 2024. He has two years remaining on his current contract, a $20MM-per-year deal signed back in 2022.

At the time, Ward was the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. He has since been surpassed by eight players and $11MM in AAV. He is also due just $38MM over the next two seasons, none of which is guaranteed (via OverTheCap), and has plenty of reason to demand more.

Those factors, combined with the Browns’ stated desire to keep their star cornerback in the long-term, could put an extension in play for Ward, per ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. He has played just as well, if not better, since signing his extension as he was in his first four years in the league. He has also been healthier, averaging 12.8 games per year before and 15 after.

Ward did not participate in the Browns’ mandatory minicamp for undisclosed reasons, Oyefusi adds. This could be an indication of a ‘hold-in,’ during which the eight-year veteran will not practice until his contract is addressed.

Cleveland had no problem handing Myles Garrett a massive raise last year, but Ward is not quite the same caliber of player. He should still be able to approach the top of the market on a potential extension, though he may not set a new high-water mark.

The Browns’ approach with Garrett indicates that an extension for Ward does not necessarily preclude moving him within the next year. Cleveland can use a similar contract structure to minimize dead money from a potential trade, and the long-term player control would only increase Ward’s value in such a deal.