Browns to sign Denzel Ward to record-breaking contract among NFL cornerbacks: reports

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The Cleveland Browns made their second significant move this offseason, inking hometown cornerback Denzel Ward to a record contract extension, according to multiple reports.

The five-year extension is worth $100.5 million, which would make Ward the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL at $20.1 million a year, according to the NFL Network. The deal reportedly includes $71.25 million in guaranteed money. 

His annual average salary puts him slightly ahead of Los Angeles Rams star Jalen Ramsey, who was the highest-paid cornerback at $20 million per season. 

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Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates after making an interception during the third quarter of the National Football League game between the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns on Nov. 21, 2021, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH.  (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"I been waiting on somebody else to touch that 100 club & you DEFINITELY DESERVE IT @denzelward ... congrats," Ramsey tweeted on Monday after the news broke. 

Ward, 24, recently completed his fourth season with the Browns after the team selected him No. 4 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. Ward, a Pro Bowler in 2018 and 2021, had 43 total tackles and three interceptions last season, including one against Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, which he returned 99 yards for a touchdown. 

In 52 games with the Browns, Ward has 10 career interceptions and 50 passes defended. The extension was the second significant move that Cleveland made this offseason. 

In 2018, Ward was taken just three picks after the team selected quarterback Baker