Browns urged to extend defender amid Shedeur Sanders, Deshaun Watson competition

Between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns are in quarterback limbo. On one hand, it reasons that Watson would get to start next season. He wants a chance to prove himself after being sidelined because of injuries. But, Sanders had a decent rookie season, so he could take on the main quarterback role this season.

But, it's not all about the quarterback for the Browns. This team also has to look at its defense. After the Myles Garrett trade to the Los Angeles Rams, their defense needs extra help.

One NFL analyst thinks the Browns would be smart to lock in one of their current veterans before it's too late. Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN is making the case that the team should extend cornerback Denzel Ward's contract before September.

Browns urged to extend defender going into 2026 season

"Although the Browns traded Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, general manager Andrew Berry said he wants to keep Ward, and the five-time Pro Bowler also expressed his commitment to Cleveland," he notes in the piece. "Ward has two years remaining on a five-year extension he signed in 2022 but no more guaranteed salary."

He adds: "Ward didn't participate in mandatory minicamp — coach Todd Monken said he won't comment on the nature of the cornerback's absence — but a new deal that offers additional guarantees could be on the horizon."

Even though Ward has two years left on his extension, it would be wise for the Browns to lock him in now. It'll only get more expensive to extend him as time goes on, and without Garrett in the fold, Ward simply becomes a much more important player to the Browns. This is a move that should be made amid the Sanders and Watson competition.