Browns sign Professional Bowl CB Denzel Ward to 2-twelve months extension: Supply

Denzel Ward, the No. 4 general choose in 2018, is a 5-time Professional Bowl cornerback. Gash Cammett / Getty Footage

July 28, 2026 Up thus far 6:09 pm EDT

The Cleveland Browns and Professional Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward are in settlement on a two-twelve months contract extension, according to a workforce provide. The deal possibly guarantees he received’t be traded because the workforce’s roster rebuild continues.

ESPN was once first to record the extension worth as much as $62.2 million on Tuesday, the day Ward and different Cleveland veterans reported to training camp. Ward, 29, was once already signed via 2027 and have been state of affairs to play 2026 on a snide wage of just about $17 million.

In June, the Browns traded two-time Defensive Player of the 12 months Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for defensive pause Jared Verse and 3 selections. The Browns inquire of to be considered one of the league’s youngest groups in 2026 and at the 2d have 11 selections throughout the 2027 draft, two throughout the first round. On the other hand they’re committing to Ward with an amended deal that may, not a lot not up to for now, acquire him essentially the most entertaining-paid defensive attend in NFL historical past.

Concurrently the Browns’ quarterback educate remains unsettled, Ward is a spacious a part of what quiet wants to be a right kind coverage. Verse is underneath workforce maintain an eye fixed on for three extra seasons, and linebacker Carson Schwesinger was once the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the 12 months in 2025.

With Ward now prolonged, it’s comely to wonder whether protection Grant Delpit will possibly be subsequent, as he is absolute best signed via 2026 and had his absolute best season in 2025.

Ward was once the No. 4 choose in 2018, the similar draft through which the Browns decided on quarterback Baker Mayfield at No. 1 and working attend Gash Chubb early throughout the 2d round. Ward grew up in Northeast Ohio and performed at Ohio Grunt previous than being decided on via the Browns in what was once a cramped little bit of a surprise choose, however Ward quietly — which is his most standard taste — grew to turn into considered one of the league’s absolute best cornerbacks.

Ward has 18 interceptions in 110 occupation video games and has been named to the Professional Bowl after every and every of the former 3 seasons. Even if he’s had concussion issues throughout the process his occupation, Ward neglected absolute best 3 video games over the general two seasons.