Browns ink CB Haden to big contract thru 2019

The Cleveland Browns and former Florida Gators cornerback Joe Haden came to terms Tuesday on a five-year, $68 million contract extension that includes $45 million in guaranteed money, one of the richest deals in the league for a player at his position.

ProFootballTalk.com first reported Haden’s signing, while ESPN’s Adam Schefter released the terms of the extension. The former notes that the $14 million signing bonus, $22 million fully guaranteed at signing and $23 million guaranteed for injury “all surpass the deal that Richard Sherman just signed with Seattle.”

The No. 7 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, Haden has spent his entire career with Cleveland. He will also earn $8.9 million in the final year of his rookie contract in 2014.

Haden played in 57 games over his first four seasons, missing four games in 2012 after being suspended for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances after testing positive for Adderall in the offseason.

Haden has racked up 13 interceptions, three forced fumbles and 67 pass defenses in his career, scoring his first career interception return touchdown last season.

He also was named to his first Pro Bowl last year.

Haden has adopted the city as his own and become a fan favorite. He is often seen at Cleveland Cavaliers basketball games and other sporting events supporting a variety of local teams, charitable efforts and youth activities.

At just 25 years old and the star of the Browns’ defense, he could certainly play out his extension in Cleveland. The Browns even picked CB Justin Gilbert with the No. 8 overall selection of the 2014 NFL Draft to take some pressure off Haden in the secondary.