Back to the Top News Newsfeed

Browns' Next Step: Extending Mayfield, Ward to Expand Possible Super Bowl Window

The Cleveland Browns entered a different stratosphere with last season's run to the playoffs and near-upset of the then-defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Still, the once-embattled franchise should be considered a legitimate title contender. And to maximize its burgeoning championship window, Cleveland has to lock up its core.

On Friday, the Browns exercised the fifth-year options for quarterback Baker Mayfield and cornerback Denzel Ward, whom the team selected first and fourth, respectively, in the 2018 class.

"Both of those players have really done a nice job for us over the first three years," Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry told reporters while confirming the news.