Cleveland Browns $100 million star Denzel Ward is questioning his future in the wake of Myles Garrett’s trade request. According to several reports, Ward will contemplate his future if the Browns decide to trade Myles Garrett to no surprise since the organization is depleting. Originally selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State product will more than likely become the latest Brown to request a trade after spending the entirety of his career with them. However, Ward did emphasize he wants to stay in Cleveland but no one should expect him to stay put any longer if it means the Browns are not going to win most of their ball games anytime soon.
Ward was the subject of trade rumors before the deadline during the 2024 season. Many were expecting the Browns to put the four-time Pro Bowler on the trade block and that will likely come soon. As much as Garrett wants to win, it’s logical to put things together that Ward feels the same way since he did mention they’re a tandem. What’s interesting is that he knew Garrett was going to request a trade so that might have been the plan all along.
Ward is under contract through 2027 but the landscape of what the Browns are building probably won’t last any further. The cornerback should have a heavy interest trade market and the Browns should use this to their advantage in getting several picks in return. Teams like the Saints and Panthers should be teams that may look into trading for Denzel Ward.
Browns $100 Million Star Denzel Ward Questioning Future – May Join Saints, Panthers in Trade
Shoring up the Saints
The New Orleans Saints came into the 2024 campaign showing a lot of bright spots despite the lack of wide receivers quarterback Derek Carr had. However, after two matchups, the offense couldn’t find their spark which led to firing head coach Dennis Allen. While the offense’s future looks bleak and top wideout Chris Olave probably won’t return, the team may have to invest in their defensive secondary as well. Veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore left for the Washington Commanders in a trade last year and Paulson Adebo may be in a new uniform for the 2025 season.
General Manager Mickey Loomis might not believe in rebuilding, but a trade for Ward might have to happen to restore faith in the team’s secondary. Kool-Aid McKinstry is still in development and the presence of Ward could help relieve pressure. Ward is going to have to break the bank but it could be a worthy investment considering the Saints will be releasing several players this offseason for salary cap such as Tyrann Mathieu and defensive lineman Cameron Jordan.
Rebuilding Carolina
With the offense coming together for quarterback Bryce Young, the offense finally has some promising playmakers in wideouts Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette. Meanwhile, the Panthers didn’t improve the team’s secondary last offseason other than a few practice squad members. Head Coach Dave Canales must realize that not only they can depend on the offense but the same energy needs to be toward improving the defense. Mike Jackson might earn a new contract if it’s not with the Panthers while Jaycee Horn will probably return.
No matter what, pairing Horn with Jackson and Ward should improve the team’s secondary on a healthy pathway that could stop the opposing offense.
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