Denzel Ward joined the likes of T.J. Watt, Aaron Donald and Joey Bosa as one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL after signing a five-year, $100.5 million contract extension with the Cleveland Browns.

The cornerback became the highest-paid cornerback in league history after agreeing a deal that includes $71.25m in guaranteed money.

"Loss of words, I’m blessed," Ward wrote on Twitter after the deal was announced.

"I want to thank the Haslams, JW Johnson, Andrew Berry, coach Stefanski and the rest of the Browns organization for continuing to believe in the home grown kid and allowing me to represent this organization and city of Cleveland where I’m from @Browns."

Top 10 largest defensive contracts

Ward was rewarded for his impressive performances since been taken with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 Draft.

However, whilst he might be the highest-paid at his position, that doesn’t mean that he is the highest-paid on the defensive side of the ball.

Here GiveMeSport looks at the 10 defensive players with the biggest active contracts in the league.

All figures provided by Spotrac.

10 - Darius Leonard - Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts - 5 years, $98.5m

Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) points toward a member of the crowd after intercepting the ball during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium. Raiders won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

9 - Jalen Ramsey - Cornerback, Los Angeles Rams - 5 years, $100m

Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

8 - Denzel Ward - Cornerback, Cleveland Browns - 5 years, $100.5m

Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

7 - Fletcher Cox - Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles - 6 years, $102.6m

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

6 - T.J. Watt - Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers - 4 years, $112m

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

5 - Von Miller - Linebacker, Buffalo Bills - 6 years, $120m

Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Von Miller Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

4 - Myles Garrett - Defensive End, Cleveland Browns - 5 years, $125m

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

2 - Joey Bosa - Linebacker, Los Angeles Chargers - 5 years, $135m

Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

2 - Aaron Donald - Defensive Tackle, Los Angeles Rams - 6 years, $135m

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Aaron Donald Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1 - Khalil Mack - Linebacker, Los Angeles Chargers - 6 years, $141m

Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps the biggest shock is that the most accomplished defensive player in Aaron Donald, who has won the AP Defensive Player of the Year award three times, was in contention to win it last year and also grabbed two sacks and two tackles for loss in last season’s Super Bowl victory for the Rams, isn’t the highest-paid.

This might just add a little bit of pressure onto the shoulders of Mack, who signed for the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason.

If you’re paid like the best, then surely he’ll have to perform like the best.