Could the Cleveland Browns lose Denzel Ward next?
In a Bleacher Report story called "Predicting Next Wave of NFL Stars to Request a Trade," NFL analyst Gary Davenport named Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward.
After the Browns traded Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams, Ward said he wanted to remain with Cleveland.
However, Ward is better suited to play for a team in win-now mode at this stage of his career and the Browns are in deep, deep rebuild mode.
"As the Browns move through another difficult season, Ward may well decide Garrett was on the right track in believing that a better future lay with a team that wins more consistently," Davenport wrote.
Last season, Ward made his fifth Pro Bowl. He finished with one interception, nine passes defended, 29 solo tackles and two tackles for loss. The 29-year-old is one of the best players in the NFL at his position.
Ward enters next season with 18 career interceptions. The Browns could acquire future draft picks for Ward. That would benefit their rebuild in the post-Garrett era.
Earlier this offseason, NFL analyst Moe Moton of Bleacher Report named the Green Bay Packers has a logical landing spot for Ward. Green Bay needs a shutdown CB.
"Entering his age-29 term, Ward wouldn't fit the Browns' timeline if they continue rebuilding their roster next offseason," Moton wrote. "He only has two more years left on his contract, and Cleveland would save $17.4 million in cap space if it trades him this year. ... The Packers could significantly upgrade their cornerback unit by acquiring Ward, who's coming off his third consecutive Pro Bowl campaign. They'll need the help in pass coverage as three-time All-Pro edge-rusher Micah Parsons works his way back into tip-top game shape from a torn ACL."
In Year 1 of the Todd Monken era, the Browns play the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts. That's a pretty tough schedule.
The odds of the Browns making the playoffs next season are very, very low. With that said, Andrew Berry should trade Ward to a contender and get draft picks in return to aid his rebuild.
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