TakeTack 见势

Your take on what's trending.

中文
Back to trends

Sports

Denzel Ward Signs Record $62.2M Extension with Browns

The Cleveland Browns have signed cornerback Denzel Ward to a two-year, $62.2 million extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history for the second time. The deal, which includes $52.3 million guaranteed, quashes trade speculation following the Myles Garrett trade.

TakeTack Desk 2 hr ago AI-assisted · Human reviewed
Denzel Ward Signs Record $62.2M Extension with Browns

Denzel Ward Signs Record $62.2M Extension with Browns

The short answer

Denzel Ward, a 29-year-old cornerback for the Cleveland Browns, has agreed to a two-year, $62.2 million contract extension, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The deal includes $52.3 million in guarantees, making Ward the highest-paid cornerback in history by average salary ($31.1 million), surpassing the Rams' Trent McDuffie. Ward, who was already under contract through 2027, had earlier become the highest-paid cornerback with a five-year, $100 million pact in 2022. Despite trade rumors after the Browns traded Myles Garrett, Ward expressed his desire to stay in Cleveland. He remains a key player, with five Pro Bowl selections and 18 interceptions in his eight-year career.

Why it's trending

The extension was announced on July 28, 2026, by Ian Rapoport, sparking renewed interest in Ward's career. The record-setting contract and his decision to stay with the Browns after the Myles Garrett trade make this a major NFL story.

The Cleveland Browns have agreed to a two-year, $62.2 million contract extension with cornerback Denzel Ward, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history for the second time. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the deal includes $52.3 million in guarantees, giving Ward an average annual salary of $31.1 million, surpassing the Rams' Trent McDuffie, who signed an extension in March.

Ward, 29, had previously become the highest-paid cornerback in 2022 when he signed a five-year, $100 million contract with $71.25 million guaranteed. The new extension comes after the Browns traded reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Rams in June 2026, which led to speculation that Ward might also leave. However, Ward made it clear he wanted to remain in Cleveland, despite his close relationship with Garrett.

Ward, an Ohio native and former Ohio State standout, has spent his entire eight-year career with the Browns since being drafted fourth overall in 2018. He has started 107 of 110 games, deflected 104 passes, intercepted 18, and earned five Pro Bowl selections. He is now under contract through 2029, though it's possible other young cornerbacks like Devon Witherspoon or Christian Gonzalez could surpass his new deal soon.

The extension solidifies Ward's place as a franchise cornerstone and ends any trade rumors. With the Browns retooling after the Garrett trade, Ward's leadership and talent will be critical. The deal also sets a new benchmark for cornerback contracts, with potential implications for upcoming extensions around the league.

Timeline

  1. Drafted by Browns

    Denzel Ward selected fourth overall in the NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.

  2. First Record Extension

    Ward signs a five-year, $100 million extension with $71.25 million guaranteed, becoming the highest-paid cornerback.

  3. Myles Garrett Traded

    Browns trade Myles Garrett to the Rams, sparking speculation about Ward's future.

  4. Second Record Extension

    Ward agrees to a two-year, $62.2 million extension with $52.3 million guaranteed, again becoming the highest-paid cornerback.

Questions people ask

Is Denzel Ward now the highest-paid cornerback?

Yes, his new contract averages $31.1 million per year, surpassing Trent McDuffie. However, Devon Witherspoon and Christian Gonzalez are expected to sign larger deals soon.

How much guaranteed money did Ward receive?

The extension includes $52.3 million in guarantees, according to Ian Rapoport.

Will Ward stay with the Browns after the Myles Garrett trade?

Yes, despite trade speculation, Ward expressed his desire to remain in Cleveland and signed the extension.

Join the conversation 0

Comments are reviewed before publishing.