Joe Haden figures to anchor the Cleveland Browns' secondary for a long time.
NFL Media's Aditi Kinkhabwala reported Tuesday that the team and Haden have agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension slated to keep the star cornerback in Cleveland through the 2019 season, per a source apprised of the negotiations. The Brownslater confirmed the move, with Haden announcing the pact on his Twitter account.
Haden said the extension includes $45 million in total guarantees. NFL Media's Albert Breer reported that the five-year extension in full is worth $68 million, with $46 million over the first three years. Breer added the cornerback was due $6.678 million in 2014, bringing the total to $74.678 million over six years. ProFootballTalk first reported the news.
First-year coach Mike Pettine commented on the extension.
"It's important for us," Pettine said, "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."
The Browns have had a busy offseason, to say the least, starting with the hiring of Pettine and new general manager Ray Farmer. Following a free-agent spree that included the addition of safety Donte Whitner and a draft-day trade that yielded cornerback Justin Gilbertwith the eighth overall pick, Haden will anchor a revamped secondary in Pettine's "hybrid" defense.
The offense added running back Ben Tate through free agency, changed the franchise by drafting mercurial quarterbackJohnny Manziel and must deal with a potential suspension for No. 1 wide receiver Josh Gordon due to a positive drug test, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday.
Haden is one of the cornerstones to build around. The 25-year-old Haden is coming off a season in which he earned his first Pro Bowl berth and established himself as one of the premier cover men in the league. Amidst all the change in Cleveland, he will be a constant.
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