The Cleveland Browns and five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward have agreed to a two-year, $62.2 million contract extension, with $52.3 million guaranteed. This deal makes Ward the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history for the second time. The $31.1 million annual average value surpasses his previous record.

Ward, 29, had two years remaining on his prior $100 million extension signed in April 2022 but with no guaranteed salary. Following the trade of Myles Garrett, Ward became the Browns' longest-tenured player. He previously expressed his commitment to the team.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry also indicated his intention to retain Ward, who is a native of a Cleveland suburb. In his last season, Ward amassed 39 tackles and an interception over 15 games. Since being drafted fourth overall in 2018, he has accumulated 18 interceptions, 104 passes defended, and 361 tackles across eight seasons.