As the countdown to the Super Bowl continues, one of the top storylines around the NFL is Myles Garrett‘s future. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year has requested a trade, something the Browns have no intention of honoring. 
Teams will no doubt make contact about a potential deal, though, with suitors prepared to offer at least one first-round pick to acquire Garrett. In the event the four-time All-Pro were to depart Cleveland, he may not be the only impact defender on the move. Cornerback Denzel Ward might reconsider his situation with an eye on following Garrett to his new team.
“[The request] has a huge impact, honestly,” Ward said about the escalation of Garrett’s situation (via Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com). “I want to play with Myles Garrett… So I’ve been talking to him and I know he said he wants out, but you’ve just got to hear where he’s coming from. He wants to win, so we’ll see what the near future holds.”
Those comments leave the door open to Ward, 27, requesting a trade of his own in the event the Browns change their plans and move forward with a Garrett deal. The latter has two years (and no guaranteed salary) remaining on his pact, although his trade request is not considered a means of acquiring more negotiating leverage. Ward, meanwhile, is on the books through 2027, although his only remaining locked in salary covers the 2025 campaign.
“I want to be in Cleveland,” the Ohio State product added. “I want to win. I’m definitely keeping an eye on what Myles has going on and what’s he doing. I’m just interested in seeing how everything plays out.”
Garrett floated the possibility of a trade when making it clear he wanted to see the Browns’ offseason outlook to determine his own future. Cleveland does not plan on embarking on a long-term rebuild, and head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry are under contract for the foreseeable future. The quarterback position is an area of uncertainty, though, and without a notable addition under center (among other moves) the Browns will be hard-pressed to contend in the AFC in 2025.
Selected fourth overall in 2018, Ward has provided strong play for the Browns since his arrival. He has amassed four Pro Bowl selections during his career, one which has included considerable ball production. Ward has racked up 17 interceptions and 95 pass deflections (including a league-leading 19 in 2024) to date. In the build-up to the trade deadline – during which edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and wideout Amari Cooper were dealt – Ward was understandably labeled as an untouchable asset for the Browns despite their seller’s standpoint. Whether or not that changes in the coming days or weeks will be interesting to monitor.
Browns should absolutely deal Ward after Garrett. Lean into the rebuild and get value before another concussion ends his career.
Ward is just another play away from his next concussion. He’s up to at least 5 already, so if any team is interested in him, trade him while it’s possible.