Browns star gets historic contract for second time in career

Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Browns' Denzel Ward gets record-setting contract for second time in career

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 28, 2026 6:43 PM ET

For the second time in four seasons, Cleveland Browns and cornerback Denzel Ward have agreed on a contract extension to make him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.

Denzel Ward agrees to extension

According to ESPN's NFL insider Adam Schefter, Ward and Cleveland have agreed on a two-year, $62.2 million contract extension with a whopping $52.3 million guaranteed.

Ward signed a five-year, $100.5 million extension ahead of the 2022 season, and now, prior to that contract expiring, the Browns have handsomely awarded Ward for his stellar play by adding two more years to his previous extension.

Sources: Browns and five-time Pro-Bowl CB Denzel Ward reached agreement on a two-year, $62.2 million deal that includes $52.3 million guaranteed and makes him the highest-paid DB in NFL history for the second time in his career. Tory Dandy of Athletes First and the Browns put the… pic.twitter.com/neCq9jShmP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2026

Denzel Ward is an elite level defensive back

Ward has made a Pro Bowl in each of the past three seasons and is one of the top defensive backs in the league.

He's collected five interceptions across the previous three seasons, and even more impressively, he's defended 39 passes in that span, good for an average of 13 per season.

How will the secondary fare with Myles Garrett gone?

Ward has certainly benefited from the Cleveland pass rush that led by Myles Garrett. But now that Garrett is gone, the rest of the defense may be affected.

Quarterbacks will have more time to throw, meaning Ward and the rest of the secondary will have to stay in coverage longer. The upcoming season will be a good challenge for Ward to truly cement himself as deservingly being the highest-paid defensive back of all time.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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