Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler Denzel Ward has been mentioned in trade rumors.
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Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler Denzel Ward has been mentioned in trade rumors.
The Cleveland Browns could be facing some tough roster decisions as free agency approaches, and one familiar name has resurfaced in offseason trade chatter.
Denzel Ward, a Pro Bowl cornerback and longtime staple of Cleveland’s defense, has been identified as one of the team’s most realistic trade assets amid a period of transition. The Browns are entering an offseason filled with uncertainty after turning the page at head coach, with Todd Monken replacing Kevin Stefanski, and the search still ongoing for a new defensive coordinator following Jim Schwartz’s resignation.
With Cleveland balancing a soft reset and looking for potential cap relief, Ward’s contract and reputation make him one of the few players who could generate both savings and draft capital.
“The way they do business doesn’t afford them a lot of trade candidates that would actually clear space. Denzel Ward is the most notable. A pre-June 1 trade would create $3.2 million in savings,” Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report said. “It’s not a lot of money, but he’s still a name to keep an eye on. He’s never played a full season and he’s going to be 29 next season. He’s been good enough to still warrant a pick, so this could be their best chance to get a return for him.”
Availability and Issue for Browns CB Denzel Ward
Ward, who signed a five-year, $100.5 million extension in 2022, remains one of the Browns’ most accomplished defensive players when healthy. He’s a five-time Pro Bowler and has long been viewed as a cornerstone of Cleveland’s secondary.
But availability has been the lingering issue. Ward has yet to play a full season in his eight-year career, missing time each year with various injuries. While his performance has rarely been questioned when on the field, the combination of age, durability concerns, and cap limitations makes his contract one of the few names that even registers in trade discussions.
Other members of the Browns who were floated as top trade assets include wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and defensive tackle Maliek Collins.
Browns Star Denzel Ward Not Bothered by Trade Rumors
It’s not the first time trade rumors have included Ward. He said it’s nothing he spends too much time thinking about.
“I don’t look too much into it. Wherever I’m at, that’s where I’m supposed to be,” Ward said on the Up & Adams show during Super Bowl week. “That’s how I feel. Wherever I’m at, I’m going to play the best ball I can, make plays, and be that shutdown corner.”
Ward, like his fellow defensive standout Myles Garrett, has a decorated individual resume. But his goal is to guide the Browns to contention.
“I’m a Cleveland kid through and through. I love playing for the Browns,” Ward said. “I know I made five Pro Bowls but I’m trying to make it to the playoffs and the Super Bowl.”
The Browns are not expected to be a contender next season. Cleveland is 150-1 to win the Super Bowl, per DraftKings. Only the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals have worse odds.