Denzel Ward, the Browns’ longest tenured player, isn’t going anywhere.
Browns veterans reported to training camp in Berea on July 28. On the same day — one day before practice begins — the Browns and Ward reached agreement on a two-year, $62.2 million contract that makes Ward the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network were first to report the news. A league source confirmed the report.
Ward, 29, was selected with the fourth pick in the 2018 draft. The former Ohio State cornerback became the Browns longest tenured player when 30-year-old Myles Garrett was traded to the Rams in early June. Garrett was the first player picked in the 2017 draft.
The Browns are in a rebuilding phase after finishing 3-14 in 2024 and 5-12 last season. Speculation grew after Garrett was traded that Ward might be the next to go if General Manager Andrew Berry could get a haul of draft picks in exchange. This new contract squelches that notion.
This is the second time the Browns made Ward the highest paid DB in the league. He had the same distinction in 2022 when he signed a five-year, $100 million extension. That contract had two years remaining, but they were not guaranteed.
Now that Ward’s future in a Browns uniform is secure, new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg can rest easy knowing his starting cornerback combination of Tyson Campbell and Ward won’t be disrupted.
Last season, Ward earned his fifth Pro Bowl nod. Before that, he shared the franchise mark for cornerbacks at four Pro Bowl selections with Frank Minnifield.
“It means a lot,” Ward said after his fifth Pro Bowl selection. “I’m grateful everyone respects my game. I put a lot of time and work and blood, sweat and tears into this game.
“I’m grateful for the recognition. I’m just trying to continue to be that dominant player out there and help this organization and make it hard on offenses every time they come my way.”
Ward has never played every game in any of the eight years he has been with the Browns. He has never played fewer than 12 games in a season.
Ward has suffered six concussions in his time with the NFL. He dealt with two concussions in 2024. He suffered a calf injury and a neck injury last season when he played in 15 of 17 games. He intercepted one pass and made 39 tackles in 2025.
Ward has played in 110 games with 107 starts. He has 18 career interceptions.
