RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesBEREA, OHIO - JUNE 09: Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during the Cleveland Browns Mandatory Minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 09, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Cleveland Browns offseason has been all about the youth movement, which led many to wonder if CB Denzel Ward would be the next superstar traded away after DE Myles Garrett was dealt . The question lingered as Ward missed much of OTAs ( spending time with his girlfriend, he said ) and even lingered as Browns training camp was set to open , despite the talented cornerback making his intentions to stay in Cleveland known .
With veterans reporting to Berea on Tuesday, and practice starting up on Wednesday, Ward’s future was given a lot more clarity as the veteran out of Ohio State signed a two-year extension, worth over $60 million, to remain with the Browns long-term:
Sources: Browns and five-time Pro-Bowl CB Denzel Ward reached agreement on a two-year, $62.2 million deal that includes $52.3 million guaranteed and makes him the highest-paid DB in NFL history for the second time in his career. Tory Dandy of Athletes First and the Browns put the… pic.twitter.com/neCq9jShmP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2026
Before the extension, Ward was set to hit free agency after the 2027 season and would have cost over $30 million against Cleveland’s salary cap. The new extension will take him through his age-32 season in 2029. Details of the contract will likely impact the salary cap hit for this season.
Ward was the fourth overall pick in Cleveland in 2018. In eight seasons, the former Buckeye and Macedonia native has played in 110 games, with 18 interceptions, two pick-6s, 104 passes defended, six fumble recoveries, and four forced fumbles.
How surprised are you by the Browns signing Ward to this extension? Do you think they should have made the move or been more willing to trade him away?
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