The Cleveland Browns and cornerback Denzel Ward have agreed to a five-year contract extension worth up to $100.5 million, making him the NFL’s highest paid cornerback. The deal also includes $71.25 million guaranteed. The 24-year-old’s contract was set to expire after the 2022 season following Cleveland’s decision to exercise his fifth-year option for $13.3 million.

Ward played 12 games in 2019 and again in 2020, tallying two picks in each year. He posted a career-best 18 passes defended in 2020.  Last season, Ward started 15 games and matched a career high with three interceptions and one defensive touchdown. Since being drafted by the Browns, he’s totaled 10 interceptions, two forced fumbles and 0.5 sacks.

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