Browns make Denzel Ward NFL's highest-paid cornerback

Ward had two seasons left on his previous deal.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 281 min read

More about the Browns making five-time Pro-Bowl selection Denzel Ward the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback, via @DanielOyef Via @AdamSchefter on X

What happened: The two-year extension is worth $62.2 million, including $52.3 million guaranteed. It gives Ward a third contract with Cleveland.

Why it matters: Ward entered negotiations with no guaranteed salary remaining on his previous contract. His fifth Pro Bowl selection set a franchise high for a cornerback.

By the numbers: The extension averages $31.1 million per year, with guarantees covering about 84.1% of the new money.

What to watch: The year-by-year structure will determine how the extension affects Cleveland's future salary caps.

Sources

@AdamSchefter 2026-07-28T22:11:14.954108+00:00

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Browns make Denzel Ward NFL's highest-paid cornerback

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