Browns ink star cornerback Denzel Ward to historic extension
The Browns are inking star defensive back Denzel Ward to a monster extension that makes him the highest paid cornerback in NFL history. On Monday, Adam Schefter announced Tory Dandy of CAA Sports confirmed the former Ohio State star is getting paid.
“Browns are signing Pro-Bowl CB Denzel Ward to a 5-year, $100.5 million contract extension that includes $71.25 million guaranteed, per source,” tweeted Schefter. “At age 24, Ward is the highest-paid CB in NFL history. Tory Dandy of CAA Sports, who negotiated the contract, confirmed the deal to ESPN.
“Denzel Ward is now under contract to the Browns for six more years, through the 2027 season.”
Moreover, the Browns selected Ward fourth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. Since, the former Buckeyes cornerback has evolved into one of the best corners in the entire NFL. In his career at the professional level, Ward has accumulated 183 total tackles, 50 pass deflections, 10 interceptions and two touchdowns.
In the AFC North, Ward has been especially valuable. The division features tremendous talent at quarterback and wide receiver, including Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals. Moving forward, the Browns knew they need Ward more than ever to match up with the defending AFC Champions.
Additionally, Ward entered the league as a rookie with quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, his time in Cleveland won’t end as lucrative, as the Browns traded for quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans in a shocking move. Now, Mayfield will be moving on from the franchise, while Watson and Ward have gotten gigantic contracts.
Nevertheless, the Browns ponied up the cash to keep one of their own. Denzel Ward will be in Cleveland for the next six seasons, at least.
Baker Mayfield on Browns, Deshaun Watson trade: ‘I feel disrespected.’
While Denzel Ward gets paid, Baker Mayfield joined the Ya Never Know Podcast to speak about how he feels disrespected by the Browns after giving them everything, only for Cleveland to turn around and trade for Deshaun Watson.
“I really, truly, honestly have no regrets of my time in Cleveland of what I tried to give to that place,” started Mayfield, speaking about his time with the Browns. “True Clevelanders and true Browns fans know that. That’s why I can walk away from the whole situation feeling like I did it.”
While Mayfield has problems with the Browns front office, he still has love for Cleveland. Still, that love isn’t enough to overshadow the disrespect he feels.
“Yeah, the respect thing is like, it’s all going to be like a personal opinion,” responded Mayfield, when asked if he felt slighted by the Browns. “I feel disrespected. 100%. Because I was told one thing, and they completely did another. That’s what I’m in the middle of right now. You know what, okay, I got my taste of it. Because I’ve had four different head coaches in four years. A bunch of different offensive coordinators. I’ve had, we can talk about the highs — they always come back. They always come back. But like, I had great times my rookie year. I didn’t start in the beginning, I came in and got to have fun the back-half of the year. 2019 sucked. 2020 was great, made the playoffs. 2021 was miserable.
“I’m just looking for stabilization right now. I know what I need to do for me to be the best version of me, and to lead an organization. I’m in a good place right now, where I have no clue where I’m going.”
The football world will keep an eye on what happens with Baker Mayfield, but one thing is for sure — the quarterback time in Cleveland is dead and buried in his mind.