LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 29: Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward 21 walks off the field after a NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Cleveland Browns vs Las Vegas Raiders game on September 29, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire NFL: SEP 29 Browns at Raiders EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2409291664

Jun 7, 2026, 1:41 PM CUT

Browns Star Confirms Stance on Leaving Cleveland After Myles Garrett Moves on

The Cleveland Browns traded their star defensive end, Myles Garrett, to the LA Rams last week. But Garrett’s move raised doubts about another veteran on the Browns roster.

Cornerback Denzel Ward, entering his ninth season with the Browns. The veteran addressed the topic during the inaugural celebrity softball game, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi.

“I definitely still want to be here,” Ward said. “Myles is a good friend of mine, a great teammate, but things aren’t lost. It’s Ohio against the world.”

The five-time Pro Bowler also addressed the Browns’ winning abilities in light of the trade of their best defensive end, who made NFL history with 23 sacks in one season last year.

Cleveland Browns 03/10/2025. Training Session Cleveland Browns defensive back Denzel Ward during the press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz training session for Cleveland Browns at the Grove Hotel, Chandler s Cross, United Kingdom on 3 October 2025. Chandler s Cross Grove Hotel Hertfordshire United Kingdom Editorial use only , Copyright: xDennisxGoodwinx PSI-22956-0028

“So people could doubt us, but we’re going out there still trying to play our best ball and bring wins to the city,” added Ward.

Ward was picked by the Browns as their No.4 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. After Garrett, Ward is set to become the longest-tenured player on the team with another year left on his contract.

Throughout his eight-year journey with the Browns, the cornerback has racked up 18 interceptions, of which two were for touchdowns, and 361 combined tackles (293 solo).

A day after Garrett’s trade, the Browns’ general manager, Andrew Berry, confirmed that they won't trade their star cornerback, even though the 29-year-old could bag a high-value deal with a contender.

“Ward is a big part of the team and we like him a lot,” said Berry on Tuesday. “He’s still playing at a really high level. That doesn’t change with this transaction.”

With the Browns' confirmation about sticking with Ward for the next two years, the cornerback reflected on the blockbuster Garrett trade.

Denzel Ward Speaks On The Garrett Move

Ward was asked about going up against his former teammate and admitted the move caught him off guard.

“Crazy trade, definitely a crazy trade,” Ward said, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. “I believe that either you’re with us or against us, and as you see, he’s not with us. Crazy trade, but hey, that’s the nature of this game.”

On June 1, the Browns confirmed that they were trading their defensive end, Myles Garrett, to the Los Angeles Rams.

In exchange, the Browns received two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Jared Verse, a first-round pick in 2027, a second-round pick in 2028, and a conditional third-round pick in 2029.

Despite friend Garrett’s departure, Ward made it clear that his commitment to the Browns remains unchanged.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Rudra Dubey