The Cleveland Browns have already moved on from Myles Garrett. As training camp approaches, another key defender is back in the spotlight after a new projection casts doubt on what Cleveland could receive if it explored a Denzel Ward trade.

According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell, Ward's market may not be as strong as many would expect despite his resume. The projection comes as the five-time Pro Bowler enters another offseason with questions surrounding his long-term future in Cleveland.

"Missing out: TE Harold Fannin Jr., CB Denzel Ward," Barnwell wrote on July 16. "Ward's still playing at a high level, but at 29, there probably won't be the sort of market Browns fans would hope for if the organization ships out the veteran cornerback."

According to the ESPN rankings published by Barnwell, Ward is valued lower than a first-round pick. If that's how teams around the league see him, the Browns may have to settle for a second-round selection in a trade.

That would be a tough outcome for the Browns, who, in 2022, signed Denzel Ward to a 5-year, $100.5 million contract extension that runs through the 2027 season.

Ward is currently entering his ninth season with the Browns. Since Cleveland selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in 2018, the cornerback has only seen two playoff appearances.

Ward is still one of the team's biggest names, making his future a storyline to watch as training camp gets closer. 

There's another reason his name continues to surface.

Why Denzel Ward trade speculation hasn't gone away

Bleacher Report analyst Gary Davenport recently listed Ward among the NFL veterans who could eventually ask for a trade if Cleveland's rebuild drags on.

"From the moment the Cleveland Browns traded star edge-rusher Myles Garrett, there were rumblings that the veteran purge would continue—and Denzel Ward's name came up a lot," Davenport said.

However, the NFL analyst did note that Ward has given no indication he wants out. Ward addressed the speculation after Garrett was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. He acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with the NFL but made his preference clear.

"I could get traded, but I don't look too much into that stuff. It's the nature of the game," Ward said. "But I love playing for the Cleveland Browns. I want to be here. I’m grateful wherever I’m at, whatever opportunity I get to go play football, that’s what I do.”

General manager Andrew Berry has also dismissed the idea that Garrett's departure automatically puts Ward on the trade block. Ward still has two seasons left on the five-year extension he signed in 2022, as reported by J.R. DeGroote of Heavy.com.

An extension could also remain in play. ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi recently reported that league sources believe the Browns are open to working out new contracts with Ward and safety Grant Delpit before the season.

Nothing points to a trade right now. Still, Barnwell's projection gives Cleveland something else to think about as training camp gets closer.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit