Did the Cleveland Browns just become sellers? It is hard to think otherwise after trading generational edge rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday afternoon, but the fact that management gave up the opportunity to gain an additional first-round pick in favor of acquiring star pass-rusher Jared Verse suggests a potential unwillingness to enter full rebuild mode. Even so, teams will still probably pick up the phone and ask about Denzel Ward.
The five-time Pro Bowl selection did regress last season, but he remains an effective cornerback who can potentially still add value to a squad. Since the Browns just shipped out their best player, it is only natural to label other expensive veterans as realistic trade options. Apparently, general manager Andrew Berry is not interested in bidding farewell to this specific talent, at least not yet.
“Don’t sense this is a fire sale,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on X. “Was told a hard no on Denzel Ward’s availability, for example.”
Fans will remind management that the same thing was said about Garrett, and he is now heading to LA. WWE Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase Sr. says it best. “Everybody’s got a price.”
Considering that the Browns just decreased their already slim playoff odds for next season, it seems a bit hasty to shut down any and all offers for Ward. Berry may at least want to listen.
The No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, who was taken one year after Cleveland used the top selection on Myles Garrett, has formed a strong bond with the Dawg Pound. The city would not enjoy seeing him leave, but it also understands the situation the franchise presently faces.
Denzel Ward might not be an ideal fit for these Browns. The 29-year-old has battled injuries throughout his career and has posted 19.6 and 19.7 percent missed tackle rates in each of the last two seasons, respectively, per Pro Football Focus. Further regression is definitely a concern.
Ward carries a $30.893 cap number, according to Over the Cap, which would theoretically force the front office to entertain a deal. The Browns are steadfast in their stance for now, but this industry can be surprisingly fickle.
Ward has 18 interceptions, two of which are pick-sixes, 293 solo tackles and 104 passes defended in 110 regular season games. Time will tell if he adds to those numbers while wearing a Cleveland uniform.
Did the Cleveland Browns just become sellers? It is hard to think otherwise after trading generational edge rusher Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday afternoon, but the fact that management gave up the opportunity to gain an additional first-round pick in favor of acquiring star pass-rusher Jared Verse suggests a potential unwillingness to enter full rebuild mode.
