What happened: Denzel Ward’s two-year extension averages $31.1 million annually and includes $52.3 million guaranteed. Christian Gonzalez has kept his ongoing negotiations private after receiving an offer intended to put him atop the cornerback market.
Why it matters: Any top-of-market agreement for Gonzalez must now be measured against Ward’s $31.1 million annual average. Gonzalez remains under contract through 2027 after his fifth-year option was exercised, preserving time while leaving the price exposed to further market movement.
By the numbers: Ward’s extension is worth $62.2 million over two years, with 84.1% of the total guaranteed.
What to watch: Watch whether Gonzalez’s negotiations produce an agreement before the 2026 season.