On Monday, the Cleveland Browns made the biggest move of the offseason, sending Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams for an array of assets. The Browns are building for the future, with the 2026 season unlikely to see them as contenders, given no clear answer at franchise quarterback.
Garrett was their best player, and he was traded for future picks. Now, another star defensive player could be the next in line.
Tony Grossi Says Denzel Ward Could Be the Next Browns Star to Get Traded
The vision is clear in Cleveland. The 2027 draft class is expected to be strong at the quarterback position, and the Browns could finally get the franchise quarterback they’ve craved for so long. Even if 2026 becomes a difficult season, they have reinforced the young core and added an extra first-round pick.
Another player who could be on the move is Denzel Ward. The fourth overall pick of the 2018 draft signed a four-year, $100.5 million extension in 2022 and holds a cap hit of $29.9 million in 2027, but the Browns can recoup some of the money if he’s dealt to another team.
Ward will be 30 in 2027, and he’s still a good player. For Browns beat reporter Tony Grossi, this is the perfect moment to trade him and add even more draft picks to their haul. Grossi notes that the trade could happen in November (around the trade deadline) or March (around the 2027 free agency):
“Instant takeaways on Browns trade of Myles Garrett: Jared Verse will be a very wealthy man after 2026,” Grossi said. “GM Andrew Berry still has work to do to parlay Garrett into the next franchise QB hopeful. Clock now ticking on potential Denzel Ward trade in Nov or March.”
The Browns won’t be the only team looking to draft a quarterback early during the 2027 draft. The New York Jets, who have also suffered with quarterbacks in the past two decades, hold three first-round picks at the moment. They can also build a strong package to make sure they add a quarterback.
Although reports suggest Cleveland is not looking to part ways with Ward, circumstances can change quickly, as we saw with Garrett’s situation. Despite being a good player, Ward won’t be of much use to Cleveland as he ages, given the team’s focus on the future.
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
According to PFSN’s CB Impact Metric, Ward hasn’t finished in the top 20 at his position since the 2020 NFL season, but that is largely due to the Browns’ collective struggles. A contending team could get the best out of him, while Cleveland can benefit from the draft assets they get in return for Ward.
