After trading Myles Garrett this offseason, the latest Cleveland Browns rumors project they could lose $100M star cornerback Denzel Ward before Week 1. Ward, a former first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has spent his entire career in Cleveland, cementing himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Unfortunately, being on a team like the Browns, the five-time Pro Bowler turned 29 years old this year and has yet to win a ring in his career. With Cleveland still rebuilding, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Browns unload on the cornerback at some point during the upcoming campaign.
Before Garrett, the team fired former head coach Kevin Stefanski, which led to the hiring of Todd Monken, the former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator. The cornerback doesn’t envision himself leaving the team. He has two years left on his current five-year contract he previously signed. However, he mentioned that if a trade happens, “so be it.”
“I could get traded, but I don’t look too much into that stuff. It’s the nature of the game. 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. But I love playing for the Cleveland Browns. I want to be here,” he said.
Browns Rumors: $100M Star Projected to Dump Cleveland in Trade Request
New Deal Before Week 1?
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the cornerback hold out before this year’s training camp. Ward has no more guarantees on his current contract, and could be seeking a deal that fits his value. Last season, he finished the 2025 campaign with 39 total tackles (29 solo), one interception, and nine passes defended while earning a Pro Bowl nod. He deserves the extra money, but if Cleveland can’t materialize a new contract, anticipate the cornerback to have the leverage.
Unfortunately, it’s something that’s out of the Browns’ control. Despite trading away Garrett, the Browns have safety Grant Delpit’s contract to worry about as he’s entering the final season of his deal. Of course, they’d prioritize him over Ward given the circumstances. However, this all points to the cornerback being out the door soon, but when?
Trade When?
The veteran may request a trade before Week 1. Feelings change quickly, and if the Pro Bowler prefers to join a team where he feels valued, he’ll head there. At the same time, it might not even be a contract issue. He’s soon entering a point in his career where he’d eye playing for a Super Bowl in the next five years. Let’s examine the three teams that could give him that opportunity.
Potential Suitors
Dallas Cowboys
Despite overhauling its cornerback unit this offseason, there’s still plenty of work for the Dallas Cowboys. However, they did a great job drafting Caleb Downs while signing Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant for depth. If the Cowboys want to raise the stakes here, they should get a true playmaker like Ward to give DaRon Bland opposite him.
Final Proposal: Cowboys receive Denzel Ward, while Cleveland gets 2027 third- and fifth-round picks.
Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs lost several key defenders this offseason, including cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie. They’ve made up their losses, drafting Mansoor Delane while bringing back L’Jarius Sneed and signing Kaiir Elam via free agency for depth. With Kristian Fulton on the trade block, are the Chiefs prepared to make a deal?
Final Proposal: Chiefs get Denzel Ward, while Cleveland acquires Kristian Fulton and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
Carolina Panthers
After signing Jaelan Philips and Devin Lloyd to deals to aggressively strengthen their pass-rush unit, would anyone be surprised if the Carolina Panthers make a push for Ward? While Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson are playing at a high-level, they could use one more defensive playmaker to raise the stakes.
Final Proposal: Panthers get Denzel Ward, while Cleveland acquires a 2027 third- and sixth-round pick.
