Browns sign CB Ward to 5-year, $100.5M record deal

Denzel Ward and the Cleveland Browns have agreed to a record-breaking five-year, $100.5 million contract extension that includes $71.25 million guaranteed.

Ward is now the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history with an annual average salary of $20.1 million, surpassing the $20 million per season deal Jalen Ramsey signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Ramsey congratulated Ward on Twitter, posting: "I been waiting on somebody else to touch that 100 club & you DEFINITELY DESERVE IT @denzelward ... congrats."

Ward is set to earn $13.294 million in 2022 for the final season of his rookie contract after the Browns exercised the fifth-year option last year. The extension adds six more years to have Ward under contract in Cleveland through the 2027 season.

"Loss of words, I'm blessed. I want to thank the Haslams, JW Johnson, Andrew Berry, coach Stefanski and the rest of the Browns organization," Ward posted on Twitter. "To believe in the homegrown kid and allowing me to represent this organization and city of Cleveland where I'm from."

The two-time Pro Bowl cornerback appeared in 15 games during the 2021 season with 43 total tackles and a career-high three interceptions, including one he returned 99 yards for a touchdown.

Ward, an Ohio native, played football for Ohio State and was drafted by Cleveland with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His influence in the community goes beyond the field as Ward was the Browns' Man of the Year winner last season for the "Make Them Know Your Name Foundation," he started in honor of his father, Paul G. Ward Jr., who died unexpectedly in 2016 due to cardiac arrest.

Ward, 24, has started 51 games with 50 passes defended and 10 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. He also has 186 total tackles, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries during his four seasons in the league.