The Cleveland Browns just shelled out a massive $62.2 million for a contract extension to five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward, and get this: ESPN’s Seth Walder immediately slammed it as an “unforced error.” Seriously, after they blew up the offseason by trading away Myles Garrett, you’d think they’d be extra careful with these huge veteran deals. But nope, here we are, watching another head-scratcher unfold in Cleveland.
A Pricy Bet on a Fading Star?
So, the Browns have now locked up Ward through the 2029 season with a two-year extension that’ll pay him a whopping $31.1 million per year. That’s serious dough for a cornerback in today’s NFL, but Walder isn’t shy about his disapproval. He’s on record saying, “it’s not a deal I would have made,” and you can totally see his point. Ward’s already 29, and he still had two years remaining on his previous deal, which was a pretty reasonable $20.25 million per year. Walder’s argument is sharp: why rush to throw more cash at a guy to secure his rights for his age-31 and age-32 seasons? Especially when Ward was reportedly holding out of practice, and the fanbase is already reeling from the shockwave of that Myles Garrett trade. Browns GM Andrew Berry definitely faced some pressure, no doubt, but this move feels like they might have played their hand too early.
The Numbers Are Whispering, Not Yelling
Here’s the real kicker: Ward’s on-field performance has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. Don’t get me wrong, making three straight Pro Bowls through 2025 is legit, and allowing an 88.1 passer rating is solid. But let’s rewind a bit. In 2024, Ward coughed up a 92.8 passer rating allowed, which was the absolute worst of his entire career. That’s a huge jump from his previous marks: a phenomenal 56.2 in 2023, then 76.4 in 2022, 76.6 in 2021, 78.3 in 2020, 62.2 in 2019, and 72.8 back in his rookie 2018 season. Walder’s concerns are valid: Ward is still a good player, for sure, but he just isn’t consistently playing at that elite, top-tier level we saw in his first six seasons. Handing him top-of-the-market money when his performance has shown a clear decline in recent years? That’s a bold move, Browns.
This $62.2 million gamble on Denzel Ward is gonna be under the microscope big time. If he doesn’t bounce back to his previous elite form in 2026, or if we see another step backward, this “unforced error” is going to look like a colossal mistake. The pressure is officially on Ward to prove the Browns made the right call.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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