The Cleveland Browns put on a defensive clinic in Week 1, holding Joe Burrow and the high-powered Cincinnati Bengals offense to just 17 points. However, their offense wasn't up to snuff, and they suffered a one-point loss.
At the very least, though, the Browns' defense looks like it could be elite again, and that's thanks much in part to Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward.
Ward logged a couple of tackles and a pass defender this past Sunday, and early this week, Cleveland has decided to make a big contract move with the star defensive back.
Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN has reported that the Browns have agreed to a restructured deal with Ward, converting his $13.5 million base salary into a bonus. That has opened up even more cap space for Cleveland, which now has a tick under $17 million in cap room.
Considering that the Browns had been mired in the salary cap doldrums the past couple of years, it's refreshing to see that they have actually started to clear some money.
Ward is under contract through 2027 on a very reasonable deal, especially considering how much the cornerback market has exploded over the last several months.
The 28-year-old racked up 49 tackles, a pair of interceptions and a league-leading 19 passes defended last season, earning his fourth trip to the Pro Bowl.
Cleveland initially selected Ward with the fourth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. It didn't take long for the Ohio State product to make his mark, as he made the Pro Bowl as soon as his rookie campaign.
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Ward has notched double figures in passes defended for each of the first seven years of his NFL tenure, this even though he has never played a full season.
The Browns will head on the road to face the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday. Cleveland actually managed to win one of its meetings with the Ravens last year.
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