The Cleveland Browns made waves this week by trading superstar defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Verse and a haul of future draft picks. The move sent shockwaves through the NFL and left fans wondering if any player on the roster is truly untouchable. One name that has come up in trade chatter is five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward, but the 27-year-old says he isn't looking for an exit.
Speaking at his inaugural celebrity softball game on Saturday, Ward made it clear he wants to remain in Cleveland. “I definitely still want to be here,” he told ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi. “Myles is a good friend of mine, a great teammate, but things aren’t lost. It’s Ohio against the world. So people could doubt us, but we’re going out there still trying to play our best ball and bring wins to the city.”
Ward has been a cornerstone of the Browns secondary since being drafted fourth overall in 2018. Over seven seasons, he has racked up 361 tackles, 104 passes defended, 18 interceptions, and six fumble recoveries. He is under contract through the 2027 season, giving Cleveland some leverage if they decide to move him. But with the franchise clearly in a retooling phase after shipping out a generational talent like Garrett, every veteran asset is under scrutiny.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry explained the rationale behind the Garrett trade, saying the offer was simply too good to refuse. “In terms of the ‘why now,’ the opportunity was too great,” Berry said. “It wasn’t like a Plan A going into the offseason. Quite honestly, we would have operated differently if it was. Sometimes things come across your path that you’re not expecting. You can’t be so dogmatic in your strategy and planning that you can’t adjust and be flexible.”
Berry also praised the addition of Jared Verse, the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year, who posted 124 tackles, 45 quarterback hits, 22 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, and five forced fumbles in two seasons with the Rams. “Jared is an outstanding football player … a perfect DNA match for our attacking front,” Berry said. “He’s really a terror in both phases, both as a run defender and a pass rusher, and we are really, really excited to add him to our team.”
While the Browns are bullish on their new pass rusher, the departure of Garrett leaves a leadership void and raises questions about the team’s direction. Ward’s public commitment is a positive sign, but NFL front offices are always looking to maximize value. If the Browns aren’t convinced Ward will be part of their long-term plans, trading him before the deadline could net another significant return. That scenario has fueled speculation, especially given the team’s recent willingness to part with stars.
The Browns are also dealing with other roster drama, including a quarterback battle heating up and a potential number change controversy involving rookie Jared Verse and quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Meanwhile, head coach Todd Monken has even opened the door to meeting with Deion Sanders, adding another layer of intrigue to Cleveland’s offseason.
For now, Ward is focused on the field and the fans. “It’s Ohio against the world,” he said, echoing a sentiment that resonates in a city that has endured decades of heartbreak. Whether the front office shares his loyalty remains to be seen.
