Browns make Ward NFL's highest-paid CB with $100.5M extension

The Cleveland Browns are signing Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward to a five-year, $100.5-million contract extension that includes $71.25 million guaranteed, his agent confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Ward's new average annual salary makes him the highest-paid corner in NFL history, edging Los Angeles Rams star Jalen Ramsey ($20 million), according to Spotrac.

Ramsey praised Ward on social media.

The 24-year-old Ward, who had one year left on his rookie contract, is now signed with Cleveland through the 2027 season, Schefter adds.

The move is expected to lower Ward's cap hit this year, giving the Browns more salary cap flexibility in 2022, according to ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi.

"Loss of words, I'm blessed," Ward tweeted Monday. "I want to thank the Haslams, (executive vice president) JW Johnson, (general manager) Andrew Berry, coach (Kevin) Stefanski, and the rest of the Browns organization for continuing to believe in the homegrown kid and allowing me to represent this organization and city of Cleveland where I'm from."

Ward has become one of the NFL's top cornerbacks since the Browns drafted him fourth overall in 2018. The Ohio State product racked up 43 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and three interceptions through 15 games in 2021. He also allowed a passer rating of 76.6 when targeted en route to earning the second Pro Bowl berth of his career.

Cleveland had one of the league's top defenses against the pass last season, ranking fifth in passing yards allowed.