Denzel Ward contract detail, Myles Garrett news could lead to Browns CB trade
If Myles Garrett is traded, a detail in Denzel Ward’s contract could see Cleveland Browns rumors heat up for the CB too
Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) participate in the coin toss against Cleveland Browns punter Corey Bojorquez (13) and defensive end Myles Garrett (95) and cornerback Denzel Ward (21) and tight end David Njoku (85) at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images If the Cleveland Browns really did make a change to DE Myles Garrett’s contract with the plan to trade him, including sometime this offseason after June 1st, the team might as well rip it down to the studs with the rookies on the roster. The turnover has already started with OL Wyatt Teller departing in free agency , OL Joel Bitonio likely to retire, and TE David Njoku saying goodbye to Cleveland and taking a visit with an AFC North rival .
The big news would be Garrett being traded. While a deal would be complicated , there are a lot of teams that should be making the call to GM Andrew Berry . CB Denzel Ward could follow Garrett out the door.
Earlier this offseason, the Browns made a small move with Ward’s contract , but it was notable that they did not do the full restructure with Ward’s deal , which would save them $12 million against the salary cap this year but would make a trade unlikely. 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. As noted by Jack Duffin, cap expert at The OBR, trading Garrett and Ward might cost a little extra cap space this year but save future money while adding significant draft capital. While Garrett would be expected to garner at least two first-round picks plus more, Ward’s injury history and position seem likely to get the Browns a first-round pick or similar value.