Ward pledges loyalty to Browns following Garrett trade
General Manager Andrew Berry confirms cornerback is not available for trade despite significant personnel changes
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward has affirmed his intention to remain with the franchise following the team's trade of defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Ward, who becomes the longest-tenured player on the roster, made the comments at his inaugural celebrity softball game in Eastlake, Ohio, on Saturday.
The trade, which occurred on Monday, saw the Browns acquire edge rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a conditional 2029 third-round pick in exchange for Garrett, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Ward described the transaction as "crazy" but emphasised his commitment to Cleveland, stating, "I definitely still want to be here."
Browns General Manager Andrew Berry confirmed that the organisation does not intend to trade Ward, describing him as a key component of the team. Berry noted that Ward is still playing at a high level and that this status does not change with the recent transaction. This assurance aligns with prior reporting from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who stated the Browns were not looking to move Ward after dealing Garrett.
Ward, a five-time Pro Bowler and the No. 4 pick in the 2018 NFL draft, acknowledged the departure of his former teammate and friend. He remarked that while Garrett is not with the team anymore, the squad remains focused on playing their best ball and bringing wins to the city. "It's Ohio against the world," Ward said, dismissing external doubts about the roster changes.
The cornerback is 29 years old and has two years remaining on his five-year, $100 million contract extension signed in April 2022, with no guaranteed salary left. Despite the financial structure of his deal, Ward’s public stance and the front office’s statements indicate a stable future for the player in Cleveland.
