CB Denzel Ward could follow Garrett out the door.
Besides QB Deshaun Watson, who is (basically) untradeable, Garrett and Ward are by far the highest-paid players in Cleveland. Ward is currently set to cost over $30 million against the salary cap, with Garrett just behind at $23 million. WR Jerry Jeudy is fourth on the list and the only other player to cost more than $10 million against the cap in 2026.
While a Garrett trade is almost certain to come after June 1st, if at all this offseason, Cleveland has a little more flexibility to move Ward at any time, including before the 2026 NFL draft. If the Browns fully restructure Ward’s contract, that will be a sign that he will not be traded this season.
While Cleveland fans have been through a lot over the last few years, and since The Return in 1999, if Garrett is traded away, moving Ward would also make a ton of sense as well. If Garrett is still on the roster next season, Ward should be as well.
Do you think Ward should be traded if Garrett is also dealt? How would you feel about a complete teardown by trading away the team’s most expensive players?
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