Cleveland Browns Could Make Shocking Move During NFL Offseason

The Cleveland Browns are entering a significant transitional phase as they adapt to a completely revamped coaching staff. This shift has placed several veteran players under scrutiny, with questions arising about their long-term fit in the organization’s evolving plans.

A prominent example is veteran cornerback Denzel Ward, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who will reach age 29 before the upcoming campaign. He remains under contract for two more seasons as part of his $100.5 million deal.

In a recent analysis published on February 17, Matt Okada of NFL.com observed: “Ward may not be as elite as he once was but is still a solid corner with years left to give. The problem is the money.”

He added, “Ward carries a $32.9 million cap hit in 2026, highest on the team outside of Deshaun Watson, and the Browns could save $20 million by designating him as a post-June 1 cut.”

Okada went on to note: “Given what he’s meant to the team for the better part of a decade, this would be a more surprising cut, but it also might make sense as Cleveland looks to the future under new head coach Todd Monken.”

While some assessments suggest a dip in Ward’s performance level, his track record tells a more nuanced story. He has earned Pro Bowl honors in three of the last three seasons and in four out of the previous five. Although he has dealt with recurring concussion concerns throughout his career and has yet to complete a full 17-game regular season, Ward has consistently avoided lengthy absences, never sitting out more than four contests in any single year.

During the 2025 season, Ward recorded 39 total tackles, including two for loss, along with nine passes broken up and one interception. His playmaking remained evident from prior years; in 2024, he topped the NFL with 19 passes defensed. However, advanced analytics from Pro Football Focus indicated a step back in certain areas this past season, with Ward permitting a 89.7 passer rating when targeted and allowing 32 catches against him.

Despite these figures, Ward continues to serve as a key leader within a Browns defense that ranked fourth overall in the league during the 2025 campaign. That strong defensive foundation will be crucial as the team rebuilds its offensive identity from the ground level under the new regime.

New head coach Todd Monken, who assumed the role in early 2026, faces the challenge of revitalizing an offense that lacks many established long-term building blocks. Currently, running back Quinshon Judkins and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. stand out as the most promising young pieces on that side of the ball.

The financial considerations surrounding Ward’s contract add complexity to any decision. With the Browns operating close to the salary cap ceiling and needing flexibility to address multiple roster needs, the potential savings from a post-June 1 designation could provide valuable room to maneuver in free agency or through the draft.

Ultimately, parting ways with a player of Ward’s stature and tenure would mark a bold, if pragmatic, move for a franchise prioritizing future competitiveness. His contributions have helped anchor one of the NFL’s more reliable secondaries, making any potential change a topic of significant discussion among fans and analysts alike as the offseason progresses.