Jalen Ramsey sends message to Denzel Ward following historic contract
The Cleveland Browns signed Pro-Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward to a five-year, $100.5 million contract extension that includes $71.25 million guaranteed, NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted Monday morning. The deal sparked a buzz around social media following the announcement, to which Jalen Ramsey, one of the top defensive backs in the league, took to social media to voice his excitement over Ward’s major extension.
Ramsey, who was previously the highest-paid cornerback in the league at $20 million per season, has now been surpassed as Ward will make slightly higher with a base salary of $20.1 million per season.
“I been waiting on somebody else to touch that 100 club & you DEFINITELY DESERVE IT @denzelward … congrats,” Ramsey tweeted.
Ward replied, “Respect! Appreciate you brotha. Let’s keep going!”
At age 24, Ward is the highest-paid corner in NFL history. Tory Dandy of CAA Sports, who negotiated the contract, confirmed the deal to ESPN. Ward is now under contract to the Browns through the 2027 NFL season.
Since the Browns selected Ward fourth overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Ward has accumulated 183 total tackles, 50 pass deflections, 10 interceptions and two touchdowns. 2021 marked the second time in his NFL career that Ward was selected to a Pro Bowl roster, recording three interceptions, 10 passes defensed, a tackle for loss, and a half-sack.
Since being drafted, Ward has started in 51 of his 52 career games, totaling 10 interceptions, 50 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
In the AFC North, the Browns’ star corner 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, the Ohio State product 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.