Myles Garrett’s departure from the Cleveland Browns has sparked speculation about the team’s willingness to trade other elite defenders, but according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Browns are a “hard no” on making cornerback Denzel Ward available via trade. This decision comes after the Browns agreed to trade Myles Garrett to the Rams on Monday. Denzel Ward, 29, has been a cornerstone of the Browns’ secondary, with 18 interceptions and 104 passes defensed in his 110 games with 107 starts.
Denzel Ward’s Career with the Browns
Denzel Ward was the No. 4 overall pick of the 2017 draft, the year after Cleveland selected Myles Garrett at No. 1 overall. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons, solidifying his position as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. With 18 interceptions, four forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries, Ward has consistently demonstrated his ability to make plays and shut down opposing receivers. The Browns’ decision to keep Ward suggests that they value his contributions to the team and are not looking to dismantle their defense entirely. Data from PFF puts this deal in broader context.
The Browns’ Defensive Strategy
The trade of Myles Garrett to the Rams has raised questions about the Browns’ defensive strategy, but the decision to keep Denzel Ward suggests that they are committed to maintaining a strong secondary. With Ward and other key players, the Browns are likely to focus on rebuilding their defensive line and finding new ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks. As General Manager Andrew Berry said earlier this offseason, nothing is completely off the table when it comes to potential deals, but for now, it seems that Denzel Ward is a key part of the Browns’ plans.
Implications of the Decision
The decision to keep Denzel Ward has significant implications for the Browns’ defense and their chances of competing in the AFC North. With Ward on the field, the Browns have a shutdown cornerback who can take away opposing teams’ top receivers. This allows the rest of the defense to focus on pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run. The Browns’ ability to keep Ward will be a key factor in their success in the 2026 season, and it will be interesting to see how they choose to rebuild their defensive line and surround Ward with other talented players.
The Browns’ decision to keep Denzel Ward is a smart move, given his consistent production and ability to make plays. As the team looks to rebuild and compete in the AFC North, Ward will be a crucial part of their defense. It’s a decision that suggests the Browns are committed to maintaining a strong secondary and are not looking to dismantle their defense entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Browns keeping Denzel Ward?
The Browns are keeping Denzel Ward because he is a talented cornerback who has consistently made plays and shut down opposing receivers, with 18 interceptions and 104 passes defensed in his 110 games with the Browns.
What does the trade of Myles Garrett mean for the Browns’ defense?
The trade of Myles Garrett means that the Browns will need to rebuild their defensive line and find new ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks, but the decision to keep Denzel Ward suggests that they are committed to maintaining a strong secondary.
What are the implications of the Browns’ decision to keep Denzel Ward?
The implications of the Browns’ decision to keep Denzel Ward are that they will have a shutdown cornerback who can take away opposing teams’ top receivers, allowing the rest of the defense to focus on pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run, which will be a key factor in their success in the 2026 season.
The decision to keep Denzel Ward raises an interesting question: how will the Browns choose to rebuild their defensive line and surround Ward with other talented players, and will they be able to find a suitable replacement for Myles Garrett’s pass-rushing abilities?