Denzel Ward contract details: Browns make star corner highest-paid DB in NFL history for second time

For the second time in his career, Denzel Ward is resetting the cornerback market.

The Cleveland Browns agreed to an extension with the five-time Pro Bowl cornerback on Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.

A member of the Browns since 2018, Ward is set to remain a key member of a defense that has added plenty of young talent in recent years — and his contract will be record-setting for NFL defensive backs.

Here's what to know about Ward's new extension with Cleveland.

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Denzel Ward contract details

• Years: 2
• Amount: $62.2 million

Per Schefter, the Browns have agreed to a two-year, $62.2 million extension with Ward that includes $52.3 million guaranteed. 

For the second time, Ward's AAV will be setting a new NFL record for defensive backs. The first time he signed an extension with the Browns in 2022, worth $100.5 million over five years, his AAV of $20.1 million temporarily set a record for his position.

Now, Ward will be making an average of $31.1 million per season, which surpasses the deal Trent McDuffie signed with the Rams earlier this offseason.

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Highest-paid CBs in NFL

Ward's AAV of $31.1 million over two years surpassed McDuffie's $31 million AAV over his four-year deal with the Rams.

The only other cornerbacks making an average of $30 million per season in the NFL are the Colts' Sauce Gardner and the Texans' Derek Stingley Jr.

Here's a look at the highest-paid cornerbacks by current AAV:

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Denzel Ward stats

Ward was named a Pro Bowler for the third-straight season in 2025. He's grabbed 18 interceptions for Cleveland in his career so far.

Here's a look at Ward's numbers:

How old is Denzel Ward?

Ward is 28 years old. He'll turn 29 on Apr. 28, 2027.

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