Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward, the franchise’s longest-tenured player, doubled down on his commitment to the team Saturday after the surprise trade of star defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. With two years left on his contract and no guaranteed money, Ward’s public stance—“I definitely still want to be here”—comes as general manager Andrew Berry rebuilds the roster around a younger core.
The Browns entered Saturday’s charity softball game at the FirstEnergy Stadium with a 5-12 record, one game above the .500 mark in the AFC North, and just 0.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the AFC. The team’s 1-5 start to the season had already raised questions about their playoff aspirations, but Garrett’s trade—finalized after a 2-3 start to the 2024 campaign—sent a seismic shift through the locker room. The Browns’ defense had been built around Garrett’s dominance, with the 2024 Pro Bowl selection leading the NFL in sacks (23.0) and forcing 11 fumbles. His departure left the unit without its anchor, and Ward’s public reassurance came as a direct response to the uncertainty now swirling around the roster.
Ward’s Loyalty Statement: “I Want to Be Here”
Denzel Ward’s declaration at a charity softball game Saturday was direct: “I definitely still want to be here.” The five-time Pro Bowler, now 29 and the Browns’ longest-tenured player, framed his loyalty in terms of regional pride, telling reporters, “It’s Ohio against the world. People can doubt us, but we’re going out there still trying to play our best ball and bring wins to the city.” His words carried weight after Myles Garrett—his close friend and former teammate—was traded for Jared Verse and two future draft picks (2025 third-rounder and 2026 second-rounder), a move that signaled Cleveland’s shift toward a long-term rebuild. Ward’s contract, signed in 2022, runs through 2027 with no guaranteed money, leaving him vulnerable to a trade if Berry finds the right offer. Yet Ward’s public stance suggests he’s not yet ready to leave, even as the team’s future becomes clearer without Garrett.
The Browns’ defense had already shown signs of life without Garrett in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where they held the AFC North rivals to just 17 points on 240 total yards. However, the unit’s identity crisis deepened after Garrett’s trade, with the team’s pass rush now relying on rookies like Verse and veterans like Ogunjobi and McClain. Ward, meanwhile, has been a bright spot in the secondary, recording 10 pass breakups and an interception in the Browns’ first five games. His performance against the Steelers included a crucial third-down stop in the fourth quarter, a play that kept Cleveland’s season alive.
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Ward’s role as the Browns’ defensive leader was underscored by his selection as the team’s alternate captain for the 2024 season, a position he shared with linebacker Jack Conklin. His leadership has been critical in maintaining morale after Garrett’s departure, with teammates like Pro Bowl linebacker Quincy Williams (11 tackles in the season opener) and rookie safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (three tackles, one pass deflection) looking to Ward for guidance. “He’s the guy you go to when things get tough,” Williams told reporters after the Steelers game. “Myles was the engine, but Denzel’s the heart of this defense.”
The contrast between Ward’s commitment and Garrett’s departure is stark. Garrett, who set a single-season sack record (23.0) in 2024 before the Browns went 5-12, had pushed for a trade and ultimately secured one. Ward, meanwhile, has avoided public criticism of the team’s direction, even as the Browns’ defense—bolstered by All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams and rookie Jared Verse—now orbits around a different core. “Myles is a good friend of mine, a great teammate,” Ward said, “but things aren’t lost.” His message: the Browns’ rebuild isn’t over, and he’s in for the ride.
“I believe that either you’re with us or against us, and as you see, he’s not with us. Crazy trade, but hey, that’s the nature of this game.”
—Denzel Ward, via Bleacher Report
Ward’s next game is set for Sunday, October 13, when the Browns host the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. The matchup against the AFC North rivals will be a critical test for Ward’s leadership, as the Bengals’ offense—ranked 10th in the NFL in passing—will look to exploit any secondary vulnerabilities. The Browns’ defense has allowed an average of 24.8 points per game this season, and Ward’s ability to lock down Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase (12 receptions, 176 yards in the season opener) will be key. If Ward delivers another strong performance, it could bolster his case to remain in Cleveland beyond 2026.
The Contract Factor: Why Ward’s Future Isn’t Guaranteed
Ward’s contract—signed in 2022—is the linchpin of his future. With two years remaining and no guaranteed money, he’s not locked in. The Browns proved that with Garrett’s trade: even a franchise cornerstone with a megadeal (signed just last offseason) could be moved. Ward, now 29, is entering his prime years, and teams with cap space could make a compelling offer. “I could get traded,” he told reporters, “but I don’t look too much into that stuff. It’s the nature of the game.” His pragmatism is telling. Unlike Garrett, who demanded a trade, Ward hasn’t publicly pressured Berry. Yet his contract’s flexibility means the Browns could flip him for assets if the right opportunity arises.
The Browns’ cap situation in 2026 will be a major factor in Ward’s future. With $20.5 million in cap space projected for next season (per Spotrac), Berry has the flexibility to retain Ward or explore trade options. However, the team’s long-term financial health remains uncertain, with the franchise still recovering from the $300 million in losses reported in 2023. If the Browns fail to improve in 2026, Ward’s trade value could spike, particularly if contenders like the Chiefs or 49ers express interest.
Ward’s production—five Pro Bowls in seven seasons—makes him a tradeable asset. His 2024 stats (53 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 1 INT) rank among the top cornerbacks in the league, and his experience in the secondary is invaluable. The question isn’t if he could be moved, but when. With the 2026 season looming, Berry may hold Ward until after the draft or wait for a suitor to emerge in free agency. The Browns’ defense, without Garrett, will need Ward to elevate, and his performance in 2026 could determine whether he remains in Cleveland or becomes a trade chip.
The Browns’ defense, once built around Garrett’s dominance, is now reshaping. The addition of Verse (a 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year) and the draft’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (a second-round safety) suggests Berry is betting on a younger core. Ward, however, remains the anchor of the secondary. His production—five Pro Bowls in seven seasons—makes him a tradeable asset. The question isn’t if he could be moved, but when. With the 2026 season looming, Berry may hold Ward until after the draft or wait for a suitor to emerge in free agency.
Berry’s approach to Ward’s contract mirrors his strategy with Garrett: prioritize flexibility over short-term stability. The Browns’ defense, now without Garrett, will need Ward to step up, and his performance in 2026 could be the deciding factor in his future. If he plays at an All-Pro level, Berry may retain him through 2027. If he declines, the trade market could come calling before the 2027 draft.
Garrett’s Exit vs. Ward’s Stay: Two Sides of Cleveland’s Rebuild
The Garrett trade wasn’t on Berry’s “bingo card,” according to NFL.com, yet it happened. The move sent a clear message: the Browns are prioritizing long-term flexibility over short-term star power. Ward’s public stance—“I love playing for the Cleveland Browns”—contrasts sharply with Garrett’s departure. Where Garrett saw a dead-end future, Ward sees a team still fighting for relevance.
Berry’s strategy is becoming clearer: trade high-upside young players (like Garrett) for future draft capital, while retaining proven veterans (like Ward) who can stabilize the roster. Ward’s contract structure—no guarantees, two years left—makes him the perfect candidate for this approach. He’s too valuable to cut, but not untouchable. The Browns can either ride his production into the 2026 season or flip him for picks if a contender emerges.
The Browns’ 2024 season has been defined by inconsistency, with the team’s offense (ranked 27th in the NFL) struggling to keep pace with the defense’s early flashes. The loss of Garrett has exposed the Browns’ pass rush, which now ranks 25th in the league in sacks (3.5 per game). Ward’s ability to cover for the defense’s lack of pressure up front will be critical in the coming weeks. His next matchup against the Bengals’ Joe Burrow (who threw for 300+ yards in six of his last seven games) will test his versatility as a slot cornerback, a role he has not played since 2021.
Berry’s decision to trade Garrett was influenced by the team’s long-term financial constraints, with the Browns facing a $100 million cap hit in 2025 due to Garrett’s contract. The trade for Verse (a potential franchise cornerstone) and two first-round picks (2025 third and 2026 second) gives Berry flexibility to rebuild the defense around younger talent. Ward’s contract, meanwhile, allows the Browns to retain him without committing long-term cap space. His $14 million salary in 2025 and $15 million in 2026 fit neatly into Berry’s rebuild plan, making him a low-risk, high-reward asset.
“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, via NFL.com
What Happens Next: The 2026 Season and Beyond
The Browns’ 2026 season will be a litmus test for Ward’s future. If Cleveland improves under new defensive coordinator Joe Woods (hired in January 2026), Ward’s value could rise. Woods, a former defensive backs coach with the Ravens, has a reputation for elevating secondary play, and his arrival could provide Ward with the support he needs to thrive. However, if the team remains middling, his trade value may spike. The timeline is tight: Berry has until the 2027 offseason to decide Ward’s fate. If he’s still under contract then, the Browns could either extend him or let him hit free agency.
The Browns’ 2026 schedule includes key matchups that could impact Ward’s trade value, including home games against the Steelers and Ravens (both playoff-caliber defenses) and a road trip to the Chiefs (a potential Super Bowl contender). If Ward performs well against these teams, it could signal his readiness for a long-term role in Cleveland. Conversely, struggles against weaker competition could raise questions about his durability and longevity.
Berry’s decision on Ward will also depend on the success of the Browns’ draft-and-develop strategy. The team’s 2024 first-round pick, OT Jack Conklin (No. 18 overall), has shown flashes of potential, and if the defense improves around Verse and McNeil-Warren, Ward’s role could become more specialized. His next game is set for Sunday, October 13, when the Browns host the Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. The matchup against the AFC North rivals will be a critical test for Ward’s leadership, as the Bengals’ offense—ranked 10th in the NFL in passing—will look to exploit any secondary vulnerabilities.
For now, Ward is focused on the present. His message—“I’m grateful wherever I’m at, whatever opportunity I get to go play football, that’s what I do”—suggests he’s not fixated on Cleveland. Yet his public loyalty is real. The Browns’ defense, without Garrett, will need him to elevate. If he delivers in 2026, Berry may hold him. If not, the trade market could come calling.
One thing is certain: Ward’s future isn’t set in stone. The Browns’ rebuild is still unfolding, and Ward’s contract—like Garrett’s—isn’t sacred. The difference? Ward hasn’t asked to leave. For now, he’s staying. But in the NFL, nothing is permanent.
The Bigger Picture: Cleveland’s Defense Without Garrett
Garrett’s departure leaves a void. His 23 sacks in 2024 were the most by any defender in NFL history, and his absence will test Cleveland’s defense. The Browns’ new core—Verse, Williams, and McNeil-Warren—will need Ward to step up. His experience in the secondary is critical. If he plays at an All-Pro level in 2026, the Browns may keep him. If he declines, Berry could explore a trade before the 2027 draft.
The Garrett trade also sent a message to other players: loyalty isn’t guaranteed. Ward’s public stance—“Crazy trade, but hey, that’s the nature of this game”—reflects that reality. Yet his words carry weight. Unlike Garrett, he hasn’t demanded a trade. For now, he’s all in. But in the NFL, “for now” is never forever.
The Browns’ defense, now without Garrett, faces a tough road ahead. The team’s pass rush, once elite, now ranks 25th in the NFL in sacks (3.5 per game), and the secondary will need Ward to cover for the lack of pressure up front. His next matchup against the Bengals’ Joe Burrow (who threw for 300+ yards in six of his last seven games) will test his versatility as a slot cornerback, a role he has not played since 2021. If Ward struggles in this matchup, it could signal a shift in Berry’s long-term plans for the franchise’s cornerback.
The Browns’ 2026 playoff aspirations will hinge on Ward’s ability to elevate his game. The team’s defense, now without Garrett, will need to improve to compete in the AFC North, where the Steelers and Ravens remain formidable. Ward’s performance in key matchups—particularly against the Bengals, Ravens, and Steelers—will be critical in determining whether Berry retains him or explores trade options. The Browns’ rebuild is accelerating, and Ward’s future is the next chapter. And like every chapter in Cleveland, it’s uncertain.
The Browns’ defense, now without Garrett, will also need to adapt to the loss of their pass-rush leader. The team’s new defensive coordinator, Joe Woods, has been tasked with reshaping the unit around Verse and McNeil-Warren, but Ward’s role as the secondary’s leader remains unchanged. His ability to cover for the defense’s lack of pressure up front will be critical in the coming weeks, and his performance in 2026 could determine whether he remains in Cleveland or becomes a trade chip.
The Browns’ 2026 schedule includes key matchups that could impact Ward’s trade value, including home games against the Steelers and Ravens (both playoff-caliber defenses) and a road trip to the Chiefs (a potential Super Bowl contender). If Ward performs well against these teams, it could signal his readiness for a long-term role in Cleveland. Conversely, struggles against weaker competition could raise questions about his durability and longevity.
