The Cleveland Browns have traded away a longtime defensive cornerstone this offseason. With a new proposal on the cards, they might ship another. A Browns expert has strongly supported the idea, paving the way for new players.

“Yes, the Browns should trade Denzel Ward if they can find the right deal. If Ward is traded, cornerback obviously would go from top-heavy to very thin...moving on from Ward would fully signal that the young players are expected to be the faces of the defense,” Zac Jackson wrote on June 18.

Carson Schwesinger is a standout player who won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2025 for his 146 total tackles performance. Jared Verse, who was traded to the Browns in exchange for Myles Garrett, is another younger player who will take over the defense. 

In his analysis for The Athletic, Jackson vouched to let go of the cornerback who is currently in the fourth season of his contract with the Browns. He had signed a 5-year, $100.5 million contract extension in 2022 and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2028.

The Browns are rumored to engage in trade talks with the Green Bay Packers. According to NFL analyst Moe Moton, the Browns would save $17.4 million in cap space if they trade him this year. He also listed reasons as to why the Packers would want Ward.

“The Packers could significantly upgrade their cornerback unit by acquiring Ward, who's coming off his third consecutive Pro Bowl campaign,” he wrote for Bleacher Report. “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.”

After their blockbuster Garrett trade, Ward is all anyone could talk about. Yet, the franchise has yet to speak up on the idea.

What will the Browns’ management say about a plausible Denzel Ward trade?

In his prediction, Moe Moton suggested that the Browns will trade CB Denzel Ward next season. Although this notion has no backing yet, Moton believes the Browns’ general manager would not shoot it down. 

“Cleveland may not intend to ship Ward elsewhere, but (Browns GM Andrew Berry) can be swayed with a strong offer,” Moton said. “This is the type of team that would sell its older veterans at the deadline.” 

He also elaborated that the Browns are an unstable team. There are questions about how much one can rely on their quarterbacks, new starting offensive line, and new, young wide receivers after Jerry Jeudy.

Will Ward wear different colors soon or later? What do you think?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar