Almost every year, the Buckeyes produce a great player at almost every position in the NFL. One position that constantly gets overlooked is the defensive back position. Over the past decade, Ohio State has produced some of the highest picks in the draft in the secondary.
In this past draft, Caleb Downs was a first-round pick. Denzel Ward is one of those former first-round picks. He was taken fourth overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has spent his entire career in Cleveland, and he has just signed a massive contract extension.
Former Ohio State DB Denzel Ward signs gargantuan contract extension
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Ward has signed a contract extension worth $62.2 million, including $52.3 million guaranteed. That makes him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. Ward certainly deserves it, based on his performance so far as a pro.
Ward has made the Pro Bowl five times in his career so far. Last season, he had 39 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a pick. He had nine pass breakups, as well. In 2024, Ward had 19 pass breakups, which led the entire league. Ward certainly deserves this deal.
Ward has had some injury concerns in the past. He has never played an entire season in his NFL career. However, he has only missed three games in the last two years. Clearly, that made Cleveland comfortable enough with him to re-sign him to this massive extension.
This is actually the second time that Ward has signed a deal that has made him the highest-paid DB in NFL history. He did so in 2022, as well. Clearly, the Browns think that Ward is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. If he's healthy, it's hard to argue otherwise.
Denzel Ward becomes the latest Buckeye to sign a huge extension
Ohio State Buckeyes all over the NFL sign massive extensions. Jaxon Smith-Njigba got a huge one after helping the Seahawks win the Super Bowl a year ago, too. It's not the first time that a former Ohio State football player has signed a massive deal, and it certainly won't be the last.
Ward is able to make this much money after the Browns made the shocking decision to trade Myles Garrett. With him off their books, that opened up more money for Ward. Now, Ward just needs to help the team win more. Cleveland hasn't made the playoffs since 2023.
This is another recruiting point that Ryan Day can point to when he is trying to bring in cornerbacks. Tim Walton certainly took note of this extension, and the Buckeyes are going to make sure this contract is splattered all over the Woody when recruits come to visit.
This is likely Ward's last big contract as an NFL player. This takes him through the 2029 season. If he somehow signs a big one after that, that would mean that Ward is certainly the best defensive back in the league, without any debate. That would be hard to do.
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