Denzel Ward is the NFL's highest-paid defensive back — again.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Ward agreed to a two-year, $62.2 million extension with the Cleveland Browns that once again makes him the league's highest-paid defensive back. The deal includes $52.3 million guaranteed.
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
Ward first became the NFL's highest-paid defensive back in 2022 when he signed a five-year, $100.5 million extension with Cleveland. He entered the 2026 season with two years remaining on that contract, though neither year included guaranteed salary.
The Browns selected Ward with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, and the former Ohio State consensus All-American has developed into one of the league's premier cornerbacks. A five-time Pro Bowler, Ward has recorded 361 tackles, 104 pass breakups, 18 interceptions and four touchdowns in 110 career games.
After the Browns traded two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams in June, Ward became Cleveland's longest-tenured player.
The Northeast Ohio native joins former Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the NFL's highest-paid player at his position. Smith-Njigba signed a record-setting four-year, $168.6 million extension with the Seattle Seahawks in March, making him the league's highest-paid wide receiver with a $42.15 million average annual value and $120 million guaranteed.
