Dismiss any rumors about the Browns parting ways with yet another defensive standout. Denzel Ward, now the longest-serving player with the team following Myles Garrett’s trade to the Rams, expressed his desire to remain with the Browns as they embark on a much-anticipated rebuild.
“I definitely still want to be here,” Ward stated at his first celebrity softball event on Saturday. “Myles was not just a great teammate but also a close friend. Despite his departure, we haven’t lost our spirit. It’s Ohio against the world, and while people may doubt us, we’re committed to playing our best and securing victories for the city.”
The 29-year-old cornerback, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, has been a key player since being drafted fourth overall by the Browns in 2018 from Ohio State.
Ward is under contract until 2027 with a five-year, $100.5 million deal, although none of his future salary is guaranteed.
He is signed through 2027 on a five-year, $100.5 million contract, but none of his remaining salary is guaranteed.
The Browns received two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jared Verse as well as three draft picks from the Rams in the Garrett trade.
It was a healthy return that included a win-now piece in the Ohio-born Verse, but the Browns are still in no man’s land at quarterback with Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green.
“Crazy trade, definitely a crazy trade,” Ward said. “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.”
The Browns and Ward are on the same page about his future — even though the Browns could get more draft capital and Ward could finally make a deep playoff run if he were shipped out, too.
“[Ward is] a big part of the team, and we like him a lot,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said after dealing Garrett. “He’s still playing at a really high level.
“That doesn’t change with this transaction.”