The Cleveland Browns thought losing Myles Garrett would be the biggest storyline of their offseason. Another familiar name started showing up in trade conversations. Denzel Ward has been the cornerstone of the Browns’ defense for eight years. He’s a five-time Pro Bowler. Right now, his future with the organization is anything but settled.
Insider Believes Denzel Ward Could Be Cleveland’s Next Major Trade Chip
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
On June 7, veteran Browns insider Tony Grossi published a column on The Land on Demand laying out a clear case for why Ward is next on Cleveland’s trading block. Grossi didn’t mince words. He argued that the 29-year-old cornerback’s career arc runs in the opposite direction of general manager Andrew Berry’s full-scale rebuild and named November 13 as a realistic trade deadline target.
“Like Garrett, Ward’s career timeline simply does not fit with the timeline of Berry’s rebuild. In other words, when the Browns are good again, Ward will be a descending player over the age of 30. Under the right circumstances, Ward could be traded at the 2026 NFL trade deadline on November 13. If not then, he could be swapped in March to help Berry maneuver for the upcoming quarterback-rich 2027 draft.”
Tony Grossi believes Denzel Ward no longer aligns with the Browns' rebuilding timeline, suggesting the Pro Bowl cornerback could become a trade candidate as the franchise focuses on building for the future.
"Like Garrett, Ward’s career timeline simply does not fit with the… pic.twitter.com/2qMZ2Rf8sj
— BrownsNation.com (@BrownsNationcom) June 8, 2026
Ward addressed the Garrett trade publicly on June 6 at his celebrity softball game in Eastlake, Ohio. He made it clear he wants to stay. He also acknowledged he could be moved because he’s been in the NFL long enough to know how this works. GM Berry echoed support after the Garrett deal, calling Ward “a big part of the team” who’s “still playing at a really high level,” per the New York Post. Berry said something similar about Garrett before trading him to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Browns pried two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jared Verse and three draft picks from the Rams for their franchise edge rusher. If a comparable offer surfaces for Ward, Berry has already shown he’ll pull the trigger. Ward holds a five-year, $100.5 million contract restructured in March 2026 and running through 2027. None of his remaining salary is guaranteed. That makes him movable on paper at any point.
Potential landing spots are already circulating. Per Last Word on Sports on June 7, the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks all have secondary needs that Ward could immediately address. Dallas lacks a shutdown veteran corner opposite their young pieces. A contender willing to offer a first-round pick would force Cleveland’s hand fast.
Ward wants to finish what he started with the Browns. The Browns may quietly have a different plan entirely.