The Cleveland Browns have certainly been busy this offseason, bringing in quarterback Deshaun Watson along with wide receiver Amari Cooper.
It’s clear that the team is trying to become a true contender this offseason, taking a page out of the Los Angeles Rams’ book by bringing in talent regardless of how much it costs or how many NFL Draft picks they have to give away to do so.
Much like the Rams, they have been spending this offseason, extending Watson to a massive five-year $230 million deal that is fully guaranteed.
However, Cleveland was not finished there as reports came out on Monday that the Browns have extended star cornerback Denzel Ward to a massive deal worth over $100 million over a five-year duration.
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. 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
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2022
This deal will make Ward the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history at just 24 years old.
Ward has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL since he began his career with the Browns in 2018, making the Pro Bowl twice in four years and racking up ten interceptions.
While Ward has been great so far, this amount of money has the NFL world divided, with some thinking that it was an essential move while others think that they overpaid.
AB and Haslam aren’t playing around. When the owner has the cash and is aggressive, that’s why you get. And you keep the young core together for the long term. https://t.co/cS8IaI4Hw8
— Watson Garrett Stefanski Era 🐶 (@MylesOffTheEdge) April 18, 2022
A Cleveland kid making Cleveland great… love to see it @OhioStateFB https://t.co/dDIOeaQZpu
— Bobby Carpenter (@Bcarp3) April 18, 2022
HOLY OVERPAY https://t.co/nVdYsi2ppE
— cruise (CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD) (@zoominfro) April 18, 2022
$70+M guaranteed?! This is insanity… https://t.co/Hah0UTz6hP
— Jeff Hartman (@JHartman_PIT) April 18, 2022
It’s clear that the Browns are focused on winning now and Ward plays a huge role in doing that for the team going forward.
Much like the wide receiver market that has been blowing up this offseason, quality cornerbacks are more valuable to have than ever. Retaining one entering the prime of his career is extremely vital for the team’s success going forward.
It remains to be seen what actions may be taken toward Deshaun Watson from the NFL this offseason, but if he can play in every game for the Browns, they might be an extremely dangerous team in 2022.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.