Could the Cleveland Browns swing this major Pro Bowl trade during the NFL offseason?
The Cleveland Browns are just 2-7 on the year, so it's already time to start looking toward the offseason to see how the Browns will start building toward 2026.
While Cleveland definitely needs to make some additions to an overall lackluster, it may also decide to trade some key pieces in order to bring in some extra draft capital.
The Browns have very clear trade candidates on both sides of the ball, but Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon has identified one in particular who feels would represent the team's top trade chip: Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward.
"The four-time Pro Bowler will turn 29 this offseason, and thus might not make much sense as part of Cleveland's continued rebuild," Gagnon wrote. "Tyson Campbell and Myles Harden aren't going anywhere, and the team can save some cap space with a deal to a contender that needs a proven cover guy."
There is a lot to like about Ward as a trade asset. He is one of the best cornerbacks in football, he is a terrific locker room guy and he still has two years remaining on his contract at a very reasonable price. Remember: Ward signed his extension back in 2022 before the corner market blew up.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward. Credit: Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.In nine games this season, the former No. 4 overall pick has registered 26 tackles, a sack and five passes defended.
Ward entered the NFL with Browns in 2018 and immediately established himself as one of the league's top defensive backs, making the Pro Bowl after recording 53 tackles, three picks and 11 passes defended.
The Ohio State product has logged double figures in passes defended in each of his first seven NFL campaigns, topping out at a league-leading 19 last season.
Cleveland could probably command a decent return for Ward, whose only drawback is concussions. Ward has already suffered six concussions throughout his NFL career, which could be a red flag to interested teams.
Regardless, because of how good Ward is, the Browns should definitely be able to find a taker for him and could probably extract a Day 2 pick from another club.
We'll if Cleveland looks to move the Macedonia, Oh. native once the season concludes.
Meanwhile, the Browns will face the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday.