Will there be a trade for Denzel Ward?
By: Jake Rajala
Just as we witnessed the New Orleans Saints trade the elite 29 year old cornerback Marshon Lattimore, could we see the Cleveland Browns, who are in a mild rebuild, trade Ward to another team? It’s a similar image, to say the least. Not only are Lattimore and Ward Ohio State Buckeyes and somewhat old corners, but the Browns and Saints are of the same caliber.
The Browns don’t have to put the regular DPOY candidate Myles Garrett and top-notch WR Jerry Jeudy on the trade block. I just believe that Ward, who plays a position that rarely witnesses CBs shine in their early 30s, would be the most expendable star.
If the Browns hand the keys of the team to one of the rookie QBs (Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel), I believe that Ward needs to take a hard look in the mirror and ask if he wants to spend his remaining years in a situation that could result in a lot of poor records and growing pains from the QB spot.
Ward is like a double edge sword. He will get burnt on occasion, but he still led the league in pass breakups last season (with 17 PBUs).
The Browns could bring in one of the free agent CBs to replace Ward, such as Stephon Gilmore or Kendall Fuller. Or they could draft a CB in the first few rounds of the next draft.
Mason Graham was drafted to wreak havoc with Myles Garrett. He can help the secondary by getting to the quarterback fast and often. A dominant DL will be the best friend of a linebacker and a corner.
If they did trade Ward, they would need their young CBs to step up. They also play in a division that welcomed Aaron Rodgers, while they already carry Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow! The loss of Ward would certainly hurt their chances of defending the three elite QBs, especially in the short term.
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