Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward has agreed to a two-year, $62.2 million contract extension that includes $52.3 million in guaranteed money.
The deal makes Ward the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history for the second time in his career. He previously reset the cornerback market in 2022 with a five-year, $100.5 million extension that ran through 2027. The new agreement keeps him with the Browns through 2029.
Ward, a five-time Pro Bowler and Ohio State product drafted fourth overall in 2018, earned the extension after leading the NFL with 19 passes defended in 2024. The agreement came on Tuesday as the majority of NFL veterans reported to training camp and amid several other large deals.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter signed a four-year, $152 million contract, while Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Brian O'Neill agreed to a four-year, $96 million extension. Ward's average annual value of $31.1 million now tops the cornerback market ahead of players such as Trent McDuffie and Sauce Gardner.
