Denzel Ward, the Cleveland Browns' star cornerback, reaffirmed his commitment to the team during his inaugural celebrity softball game on June 6, 2026, just days after Myles Garrett was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. The event, held at Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake, Ohio, drew attention as fans speculated about Ward's future with the franchise.
Why it matters: Ward’s comments come in the aftermath of a major roster shakeup that saw Garrett, a key player and former face of the franchise, leave Cleveland. This trade raised questions about the future of other veterans like Ward.
- Ward, 29, expressed a strong desire to remain with the Browns, stating, "I definitely still want to be here."
- His loyalty is particularly notable as he enters his ninth NFL season with just two playoff appearances under his belt.
- The Browns have been retooling their roster, which could impact Ward’s standing with the team.
Driving the news: The Browns traded Myles Garrett to the Rams on June 4, 2026, prompting immediate speculation about the future of other high-profile players, including Ward.
- Browns general manager Andrew Berry had previously indicated that Ward remains a key part of the team's plans, stating that the Garrett trade did not alter that dynamic.
- Ward's comments at the softball game suggest he is focused on contributing to the team’s success, emphasizing the need to “play our best ball and bring wins to this city.”
State of play: Ward's contract situation adds complexity to his future with the Browns. He has two years left on the extension signed in 2022 but no guaranteed money remaining.
- Ward's base salary for 2026 is set at $16.9 million, with a cap hit of $30.89 million, raising concerns about potential trades.
- Berry acknowledged the possibility of trades but emphasized Ward's talent and importance to the team.
- Ward's performance has earned him five Pro Bowl selections, highlighting his value as an elite cornerback.
The big picture: The departure of Garrett signals a shift in the Browns' strategy, possibly indicating a longer-term rebuild.
- Ward's commitment is a positive sign for fans who are concerned about the team's direction following the trade.
- The Browns have made several moves to bolster their defense, including signing All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams and drafting safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
- Ward's experience and leadership will be increasingly important as the team navigates this transition.
What they're saying: Ward addressed the media and fans at the softball game, reinforcing his desire to stay in Cleveland.
- “Myles is a good friend of mine, a great teammate, but things aren't lost,” Ward said, indicating he believes in the team's potential.
- He also acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “It’s going to be a lot harder to win with Myles gone.”
- Berry reiterated Ward's significance, saying, “He’s still playing at a really high level. That doesn’t change with the [Garrett trade].”
By the numbers: Ward's financial situation and performance metrics paint a clear picture of his status within the team.
- Ward was the fourth pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and signed a five-year, $100.5 million contract extension in 2022.
- His annual Pro Football Focus grades and five Pro Bowl selections underline his elite status in the league.
- After restructuring his deal in March 2026, he has no guaranteed salary remaining.
Between the lines: The trade of Garrett was unexpected for many, including Ward, who admitted he was aware of the trade before it was publicly announced.
- Ward's relationship with Garrett has been strong, and the trade marks a notable change in the team's defensive leadership.
- With Garrett gone, Ward is expected to take on a larger role in guiding the younger players on the team.
- Ward emphasized that winning is the priority, stating, “The biggest thing is guys just want to win. We can win in Cleveland.”
What's next: As the Browns prepare for the upcoming season, Ward's role will be more prominent in the absence of Garrett.
- Ward’s focus will be on leading the defense and helping solidify a unit that has seen considerable turnover.
- The Browns will look to build on their recent playoff appearance and aim for a more consistent performance in the 2026 season.
- Fans will follow closely closely to see how the team adapts without Garrett and how Ward steps up as a leader.