Browns cornerback Denzel Ward. Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK

Browns sign CB Denzel Ward to massive five-year extension

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 4/18/22

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.

Browns are signing Pro-Bowl CB Denzel Ward to a 5-year, $100.5 million contract extension that includes $71.25 million guaranteed, per source. At age 24, Ward is the highest-paid CB in NFL history.

Tory Dandy of CAA Sports, who negotiated the contract, confirmed the deal to ESPN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2022

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.

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