The Cleveland Browns have signed cornerback Denzel Ward to a two-year contract extension worth $62.2 million, a deal that makes him the NFL's highest-paid defensive back. The agreement includes $52.3 million in guaranteed money and will keep Ward with the Browns through the 2029 season.
Ward, a five-time Pro Bowler, was entering the final two years of his rookie extension signed in 2022. His new deal surpasses the previous record held by Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie, who earns $31 million per season. Sauce Gardner of the Colts is the only other cornerback currently earning over $30 million annually.
Speculation about Ward's future with the team arose after the Browns traded pass rusher Myles Garrett to the Rams on June 1. However, his absence from voluntary OTAs and limited participation in mandatory minicamp were reportedly not related to his contract status. Ward was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
During his eight seasons with the Browns, Ward has recorded 18 interceptions, 361 tackles, 104 pass deflections, and four forced fumbles. His 104 pass deflections since 2018 lead the NFL. He is a key part of the Browns' secondary, which also includes cornerback Tyson Campbell and safeties Grant Delpit and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. The team is aiming to improve on their 5-12 record from the 2025 season under first-year head coach Todd Monken.