BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns newest regime made it a goal to try and retain its key, core players.
They can put a check next to one of the top players on their list.
The Browns announced Tuesday that they have signed Joe Haden to a five-year contract extension. ProFootballTalk.com said the contract surpasses the extension that Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman recently signed, including a $14 million signing bonus with $22 million guaranteed at signing and $23 million for injury.
Proud 2 announce that i signed a 5year extension with the browns! 68M with 45 guaranteed! #trulyBleesed!! #GoBrowns pic.twitter.com/v1nem15Y2Q
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) May 13, 2014
"This is a great day for both Joe Haden and the Cleveland 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," Farmer added. "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."
Haden (5-11, 195) earned his first Pro Bowl for his performance in 2013 and in new coach Mike Pettine's defense it is important to have cornerbacks that can play a lot of man-to-man coverage.
"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. These are the types of players we want to build around, that will help us grow and win consistently."
Haden was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft (seventh overall) from Florida. The Browns hope to pair Haden with recently drafted Justin Gilbert (eighth overall) from Oklahoma State. If the Browns can sign Gilbert to the customary five-year rookie contract for first-round players, they will have the duo both under contract for the next five years.
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Haden has 263 tackles, 13 interceptions and 68 passes broken up in 57 NFL games. He also has three forced fumbles, two sacks and one fumble recovery. According to STATS LLC., Haden's passes broken up since joining the Browns in 2010 draft are second in the league during that span.
Last season, Haden had four interceptions, including his first interception returned 29 yards for a touchdown against the Bengals. He also had 60 tackles, 21 passes broken up
Last season, Haden was selected to his first Pro Bowl in addition to being named second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press. Haden was also named to the All-AFC team by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA).
Earlier this year, the Browns also matched the transition offer that center Alex Mack received from the Jaguars, signing him to a five-year contract. However, Mack does have an opt out clause after the 2015 season.
