​BEREA, OHIO – JUNE 09: Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during the Cleveland Browns Mandatory Minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 09, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images “Believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see.” A common adage credited to Edgar Allen Poe (boo, a slight Baltimore Ravens reference on a Cleveland Browns site) is true in so many walks of life, including professional sports. With Browns CB Denzel Ward now locked up to a huge extension and the team all together for the start of training camp, we have learned that the former Ohio State Buckeye star was not all the way truthful with the media earlier this offseason.Ward previously noted, somewhat jokingly, that he had not been present for offseason activities and OTAs for Cleveland because he had a girlfriend and had to take her on dates.On Wednesday, after signing his extension, Ward shared that the real reason was contract-related:Browns Denzel Ward said skipping voluntary offseason program was related to wanting new contract. Now he has it.— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) July 29, 2026Ward is obviously excited about the new deal and to continue to play in his home state for the Browns:Browns CB Denzel Ward on his new record-setting contract that once again makes him the highest-paid DB in the NFL pic.twitter.com/bQxbfUU668— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) July 29, 2026In the eight seasons since being drafted fourth overall, Ward has played in 110 games with 18 interceptions and has been considered one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL for most of his career, including a recent survey.