Browns To Extend CB Denzel Ward

Ward, who was under contract through 2027 before agreeing to this extension, has now become the highest-paid cornerback in history for the second time in his career. He previously earned that distinction when he inked a five-year, $100MM pact with $71.25MM in guarantees in 2022.

Ward just surpassed the Rams’ Trent McDuffie, who signed an extension in March, in average salary ($31.1MM). However, either or both of the Seahawks’ Devon Witherspoon and the Patriots’ Christian Gonzalez could go by Ward soon. Witherspoon and Gonzalez are expected to reel in mega paydays of their own this summer.

After the Browns traded reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Rams in a shocking June 1 blockbuster, there was speculation Ward would follow him out the door. However, despite his close relationship with Garrett, Ward made it known that his goal was to remain in Cleveland. Now 29 years old, the Ohio native and former Ohio State standout has spent his entire eight-year career with the Browns. Since going fourth overall in the 2018 draft, Ward has started in 107 of 110 games, deflected 104 passes, intercepted 18 and earned five Pro Bowl nods.

Despite finishing with a career-low one interception over 15 games in 2025, Ward earned a Pro Bowl selection for the third straight year. As the nearest defender on 62 targets, he held opposing quarterbacks to a 61.3% completion rate and an 88.1 passer rating. Pro Football Focus ranked Ward just 67th among 112 qualified corners, but it is obvious general manager Andrew Berry disagrees with that assessment. Berry said after the Garrett trade that “[Ward]’s still playing at a really high level.”

Ward is now positioned to continue as one of the faces of Cleveland’s Garrett-less defense for the foreseeable future. Even with the superstar pass rusher now in Los Angeles, the Browns and first-year coordinator Mike Rutenberg continue to boast several quality defensive pieces. Ward, edge defender Jared Verse (acquired in the Garrett swap), linebacker/2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger, second-year tackle Mason Graham, cornerback Tyson Campbell and safety Grant Delpit are among the rebuilding club’s top talents. Ward will continue to start opposite Campbell, whom the Browns acquired from the Jaguars last season, in 2026.