Former Ohio State and current Cleveland Browns defensive back Denzel Ward just got paid. He became the highest-paid DB back in 2022 with a five-year extension worth $100.5 million. That was eventually eclipsed, but with the news of Ward signing a two-year extension reportedly worth $62.2 million ($52.3 million guaranteed), he has reclaimed that distinction once again. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
After a distinguished career at Ohio State, where he was a consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2017, Ward was selected by the Browns in the 2018 NFL draft with the No. 4 pick. That draft selection has paid off well for Cleveland. Not only did Ward make the PFWA All-Rookie team and has also been selected to five Pro Bowls.
During his 110-game career, Ward has racked up 361 tackles, 104 pass breakups, 18 interceptions and four touchdowns. He is on the shortlist as the best defensive back in the NFL.
As a reminder, Ohio State not only sends guys to the NFL, but they eventually get paid a ton of money as some of the best players in the League. Case in point to the Ward news: former OSU and current Seattle receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba recently made news by signing a record four-year contract extension worth $168.6 million ($120 million guaranteed).
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Former Ohio State defensive back signs massive extension with Browns
Reporting by Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire / Buckeyes Wire
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By Phil Harrison, Buckeyes Wire | USA TODAY Network
