The Browns have officially joined the ranks of the NFL’s big spenders.
On Monday, Cleveland signed Denzel Ward to a five-year, $100.5 million extension, per multiple reports — making him the highest-paid cornerback in league history by total value, AAV ($20.1M), and guaranteed money ($71.3M).
The Browns’ have now spent $340.5 million in guaranteed money this offseason, almost $100 million more than any other team — and with Ward’s deal, Cleveland’s top four contracts account for a staggering $461.3 million in guarantees.
- QB Deshaun Watson: $230M
- DE Myles Garrett: $100M
- Ward: $71.3M
- WR Amari Cooper: $60M
After the trade for Watson, incumbent quarterback Baker Mayfield requested a trade — meaning the team will likely get his guaranteed $18.9 million off the books.
The Browns will hope the lavish spending and new signal-caller will finally lift them out of eternal mediocrity and into serious playoff contention, though bookmakers remain a bit skeptical — they’re tied for the ninth-best odds (+1700) to lift the Lombardi Trophy.
