Browns sign CB Haden to five-year extension

Berea, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - The Cleveland Browns signed cornerback Joe Haden to a five-year contract extension Tuesday.

The deal takes Haden, who is entering his fifth season with the Browns, through the 2019 season.

The extension in full is reportedly worth $68 million. The deal includes a $14 million signing bonus, $22 million fully guaranteed at signing and another $23 million guaranteed for injury.

It surpasses the deal that Richard Sherman just signed with Seattle. Sherman was given a four-year contract for a total of $57.4 million with $40 million guaranteed.

Since joining the Browns as the seventh overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Florida product has appeared in 57 games with 48 starts, registering 234 tackles, 13 interceptions, 67 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, two sacks and one fumble recovery.

"This is a great day for both Joe Haden and the Cleveland Browns," Browns general manager Ray Farmer said. "Joe's a good, young player who's made a commitment to our organization, and he's somebody with whom we want to move forward in order to advance our football team. He's a great person. He's the right guy to both build with and build around as we attempt to become an elite football team. He's a true professional. When we talk about identifying talent, building through the draft, developing solid players and retaining them, Joe Haden's at the top of the list. I'm excited. Our team is excited."

Last season, Haden was selected to his first Pro Bowl in addition to being named second team All-Pro. He was also named to the All-AFC team and finished second on the club with four interceptions, while adding 54 tackles and 20 passes defensed. He registered his first career multiple-interception game (2) and his first defensive score following a 29-yard interception return at Cincinnati on Nov. 17.

"It's important for us," said Browns coach Mike Pettine, "to extend our core players and continue to grow with guys that represent everything we want this team to be: Tough, hard-working and passionate. Joe obviously loves his teammates, and he loves this city. I know he wants to keep growing and improving as a player. That's what we need, and that's what we want. These are the types of players we want to build around, that will help us grow and win consistently."