Denzel Ward is currently playing as a cornerback for the Cleveland Browns. He was first drafted by the franchise with the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He had immense potential and popularity after a successful college tenure with the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Since then, he has had impressive performances with the franchise, though the team suffered a lot in results. He recently made a statement regarding his future.
Denzel Ward reaffirms commitment to Browns
Despite a poor 2025 season for the Browns, Ward had a strong one personally. He played in 15 games and had 39 total tackles, one interception, and nine passes defended. He also earned Pro Bowl honors, the fifth time since he joined the NFL. Despite his heroics, there are rumors about his departure due to recent conditions.
Aug 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) warms up before the game between the Browns and the Los Angeles Rams at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
The Browns recently lost star player and defensive end Myles Garrett in a trade exchange to the Los Angeles Rams. Being their top defensive star and longtime player, his departure has surprised many. After such a trade, Ward publicly confirmed that he will remain with the team. He did so during his celebrity softball game on June 6, 2026, in Eastlake, Ohio.
He committed his future to the Browns, and stated, “I definitely still want to be here. Myles is a good friend of mine, a great teammate, but things aren’t lost. It’s still Ohio against the world. People can doubt us, but we’re going out there still to try to play our best ball and bring wins to this city.”
He also added, “But I love playing for the Cleveland Browns. I want to be here. I’m grateful wherever I’m at, whatever opportunity I get to go play football, that’s what I do.”
Despite his reassurance, there is still a chance that the player could leave the franchise. And he even admitted the possibility.
Denzel Ward admits possibility of Browns trading him
Ward signed a five-year, $100.5 million extension in 2022 with $71.25 million guaranteed. It was later restructured in March 2026, and he is currently signed through 2027. General manager Andrew Berry and reports have indicated they have no plans to trade him, though he refused to confirm his future.
Ward admitted that he could get traded, “I could get traded, but I don’t look too much into that stuff. It’s the nature of the game. Say I do get traded, for me, wherever I’m at that’s where I’m supposed to be. So if I’m here, I’m supposed to be here. If I go to a different team, that’s where I’m supposed to be.”
Denzel Ward will have to prepare for the 2026 NFL season with lots of expectations on him.
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