Denzel Nehemiah Ward is an American football cornerback for the Cleveland Browns as of the 2024 NFL season. The Browns selected Ward with the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In 2021, Ward was named to the 2021 Pro Bowl. In his rookie season in 2018, he played 13 games and recorded 53 tackles, three interceptions, and 11 pass deflections. He was named to the Pro Bowl and the NFL All-Rookie Team the same year. Ward recorded 43 tackles and three interceptions in the 2021 season. In Week 4 of the 2020 season, Ward recorded his first interception of the season for the Browns against the Dallas Cowboys.
Ward's collegiate career began with Ohio State in 2015. As a freshman in 2015, Ward played in 12 games, recording seven tackles. In 2016, he played in all 13 games and had 23 tackles. In 2017, he earned Consensus All-American honors and was named First-Team All-Big Ten. Ward went to Nordonia High School for his primary education.
Denzel Ward Contract Breakdown
In 2022, Ward signed a five-year contract extension worth $100,500,000 with the Cleveland Browns, including an average annual salary of $20,100,000 as per Sportrac.
| Contract terms | Average Salary | Signing Bonus | GTD at Sign | Total GTD |
| 5 yr(s) / $100,500,000 | $20,100,000 | $20,000,000 | $44,500,000 | $71,250,000 |
| Year | Status | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Restructure Bonus | Roster Bonus | Roster/Gm Bonus | Option Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap |
| 2022 | $1,035,000 | $4,000,000 | - | - | - | - | $5,035,000 | $26,100,000 | |
| 2023 | $4,041,000 | $4,000,000 | - | - | $458,822 | $3,680,000 | $12,179,822 | $39,465,000 | |
| 2024 | $1,125,000 | $4,000,000 | $2,839,800 | - | $494,118 | $3,680,000 | $12,138,918 | $54,494,000 | |
| 2025 | $13,476,000 | $4,000,000 | $2,839,800 | - | $600,000 | $3,680,000 | $24,595,800 | $42,849,200 | |
| POTENTIAL OUT: 2026, 4 YR, $73,934,822; $19,879,400 DEAD CAP | |||||||||
| 2026 | $16,900,000 | $4,000,000 | $2,839,800 | $2,500,000 | $600,000 | $3,680,000 | $30,519,800 | $19,879,400 | |
| 2027 | $17,400,000 | - | $2,839,800 | $2,500,000 | $600,000 | $3,680,000 | $27,019,800 | $9,359,600 | |
| 2028 | VoidUFA | - | - | $2,839,800 | - | - | - | $2,839,800 | $2,839,800 |
How much is Denzel Ward getting paid?
For the 2024 season, Ward will take home a base salary of $1,125,000 and a restructure bonus of $14,199,000. According to his contract, he will earn an average annual salary of $20,100,000 as per Sportrac.com.
How much does Denzel Ward make in a minute?
Ward makes about $38.24 per minute.
Denzel Ward’s Career Earnings
As of November 2024, Ward has earned approximately $89,376,725 in his NFL career earnings.
What are the terms of Denzel Ward's contract?
Ward's contract includes the terms mentioned below:
- $44.5M guaranteed at signing (signing bonus + 2022 salary + 2023 salary + 2023 option bonus + $1.024M of 2024 salary)
- The remaining $14.3M of 2024 salary fully guarantees 3/17/2023 (injury guaranteed at signing)
- $12.45M of 2025 salary fully guarantees 3/15/2024
- 2023 Option Bonus: $18.4M (guaranteed)
- 2026 Roster Bonus: $2.5M (3rd league day of 2026)
- 2027 Roster Bonus: $2.5M (3rd league day of 2027)
- Per Game Active Bonus: $35,294 ($600,0000. 13 LTBE in 2023)
How much of Denzel Ward’s Contract is guaranteed?
According to the latest contract, Ward will earn a $71,250,000 guaranteed amount.
Denzel Ward Contract History
Denzel Ward signed a 4 year, $29,165,356 contract with the Cleveland Browns, including a $19,291,168 signing bonus and an average annual salary of $7,291,339.
| Contract terms | Average Salary | Signing Bonus | GTD at Sign | Total GTD |
| 4 yr(s) / $29,165,356 | $7,291,339 | $19,291,168 | $29,165,356 | $29,165,356 |
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FAQ's on Denzel Ward Contract
A. Denzel Ward is 27 years old as of November 2024.
A. Denzel Ward attended Ohio State College.
A. The Browns selected Ward in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
A. Denzel Ward was born on April 28, 1997.
