CLEVELAND (AP) — Denzel Ward has agreed to a two-year extension with the Cleveland Browns that will make him the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. The five-time Pro Brown cornerback will sign a two-year extension worth $62.2 million — including $52.3 million guaranteed, the person told the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been publicly announced. The $31.1 million average surpasses the $31 million average when Trent McDuffie signed a four-year, $124 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams after being traded by Kansas City in March. The 29-year old Ward had two years remaining on a five-year, $100 million contract he signed in 2022. Since entering the league in 2018, he leads the NFL with 104 passes defensed, and his 18 interceptions are tied for 19th.