Tag: Denzel Ward

Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates after the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Denzel Ward wants to stay in Cleveland despite Myles Garrett trade

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With star defensive end Myles Garrett traded away from Cleveland, cornerback Denzel Ward became the longest-tenured player on the Browns, and he has no plans to change that.

“I definitely still want to be here,” Ward said Saturday at his inaugural celebrity softball game in Eastlake, Ohio, according to ESPN. “Myles is a good friend of mine, a great teammate, but things aren’t lost. It’s Ohio against the world. So people could doubt us, but we’re going out there still trying to play our best ball and bring wins to the city.”

Garrett was traded to the Rams Monday in a blockbuster trade that sent the five-time All-Pro to Los Angeles in exchange for two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick.

The Browns’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Garrett broke the NFL’s single-season sacks record last season with 23. The two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and seven-time Pro Bowler has 412 tackles, 149 tackles for loss and 125.5 sacks over nine seasons. That sack total is tied for 20th in official NFL history (since 1982) and third amongst active players behind Von Miller (138.5) and Cameron Jordan (132).

“Crazy trade, definitely a crazy trade,” Ward said Saturday. “I believe that either you’re with us or against us, and as you see, he’s not with us. Crazy trade, but hey, that’s the nature of this game.”

Ward has two years left on a 5-year, $100.5 million contract extension signed in 2022, though it includes no further guaranteed money.

When asked Tuesday whether the Browns had received any reaction from Ward regarding the Garrett trade, Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry told ESPN it was “most appropriate for Denzel to speak for himself” but that the Browns had no plans to make Ward available for a trade.

“(Ward is) a big part of the team, and we like him a lot,” Berry said Tuesday. “He’s still playing at a really high level. That doesn’t change with this transaction.”

For his part, Ward said he understands the possibility of a trade is always there.

“I could get traded, but I don’t look too much into that stuff,” said Ward, per ESPN. “It’s the nature of the game. Say I do get traded, for me, wherever I’m at that’s where I’m supposed to be. So if I’m here, I’m supposed to be here. If I go to a different team, that’s where I’m supposed to be.

“But I love playing for the Cleveland Browns. I want to be here. I’m grateful wherever I’m at, whatever opportunity I get to go play football, that’s what I do.”

Ward, 29, was the fourth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Ohio State product has 361 career tackles, 18 interceptions — including two returned for touchdowns — 104 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries in 110 games (107 starts). Two of those recovered fumbles turned into touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) rests in between plays during the first half of an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Browns place LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on IR

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Cleveland Browns placed linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on injured reserve Saturday because of a neck injury.

The Browns already ruled out Owusu-Koramoah for Sunday’s game against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. He is required to miss at least four games due to the move.

Also Saturday, the Browns (2-6) announced cornerback Denzel Ward has cleared concussion protocol and will have no injury designation for the game against the Chargers (4-3).

Both Owusu-Koramoah and Ward were injured in the third quarter of last Sunday’s 29-24 home win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Owusu-Koramoah was carted off the field after colliding with Ravens bruising running back Derrick Henry, whose right shoulder barreled into the linebacker’s head and neck area on a 10-yard run.

Owusu-Koramoah, 24, was taken to a local hospital and kept overnight before he was discharged on Monday.

He has started all eight games and has a team-high 61 tackles as well as three sacks, 10 tackles for loss and four quarterback hits.

The Browns selected Owusu-Koramoah in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. He has 308 tackles, eight sacks, 40 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits, three interceptions and six forced fumbles in 49 games (41 starts).

Ward, 27, was the fourth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Ohio State product has started all eight games this season and has 15 tackles and a league-high 13 passes defensed.

He has sustained six documented concussions across his seven NFL seasons.

Ward has 288 career tackles, 15 interceptions — including two returned for touchdowns — 88 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in 87 games (84 starts). Two of those recovered fumbles turned into touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) is hauled off on a stretcher during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Browns LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) carted off vs. Ravens

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Browns linebacker and leading tackler Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was carted off the field with a neck injury during Cleveland’s 29-24 win over the visiting Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

Owusu-Koramoah, 24, was hurt during the third quarter after colliding with Baltimore running back Derrick Henry. ESPN reported that Owusu-Koramoah was evaluated at a nearby hospital and has movement in all extremities.

Henry’s right shoulder barreled into Owusu-Koramoah’s head and neck area on a 10-yard run with less than a minute remaining in the third quarter. Owusu-Koramoah immediately went down and stayed on the ground as medical trainers tended to him for several minutes.

He was placed on a backboard and raised a fist to the crowd as he was carted off with the Browns leading 20-17.

Owusu-Koramoah had seven tackles on Sunday before exiting, pushing his team-leading total to 61. The fourth-year veteran out of Notre Dame posted a career-high 101 tackles in 16 games (13 starts) last season and made his first Pro Bowl.

Cleveland also lost cornerback Denzel Ward (concussion) during the third quarter. Ward has now sustained six documented concussions across his seven NFL seasons.

Jameis Winston connected with Cedric Tillman for the game-winning, 38-yard touchdown with 59 seconds left as the Browns (2-6) halted a five-game skid.

–Field Level Media

Aug 17, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) runs the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Browns RB Pierre Strong Jr. leaves practice in ambulance

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Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. left practice in an ambulance Wednesday after suffering a rib contusion.

Strong, 25, was injured running through hanging tackling dummies, according to reports. He walked off the field with trainers and got into the ambulance as a precaution while experiencing shortness of breath. He later was released from University Hospitals.

“Pierre has done a really nice job in special teams, a really nice job in the run game, pass protection, pass game, obviously has always been good in that area,” Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski said.

Stefanski also confirmed that cornerback Denzel Ward has a concussion, his fifth. Ward has been in concussion protocol since Aug. 12.

“We have a great medical team and great resources when guys are in that protocol, and I’m confident in that,” Stefanski said.

Stefanski also said that safety Ronnie Hickman is “close” to returning from an injury.

Meanwhile, quarterback Deshaun Watson had some general arm soreness and was limited at practice on Wednesday.

“I decided to hold back a little bit with him, but not overly concerned,” Stefanski said of Watson. “He could have gone. He’s feeling fine.”

Strong is the second Browns running back to leave practice in an ambulance. D’Onta Foreman was taken to the hospital with a neck injury early in training camp. He has since returned to action.

The Browns acquired Strong in a trade with the New England Patriots in late August 2023. With Nick Chubb still on the physically unable to perform list, Strong is listed No. 2 on the Browns’ depth chart behind Jerome Ford.

Strong rushed for 291 yards and a touchdown in 17 games (one start) last season and caught five passes for 47 yards.

–Field Level Media

Nov 5, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates his broken up pass intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marquise Brown (2) during the third quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Browns CB Denzel Ward injures knee, questionable vs. Texans

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Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward sustained a knee injury in practice Thursday and is questionable for Saturday’s wild-card game against the Houston Texans, head coach Kevin Stefanski said.

Ward, a Pro Bowl selection for the third time this season, was limited in practice, the coach said.

On the regular season, Ward, 26, appeared in 13 games (11 starts) and tallied 34 tackles, 11 pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble.

Stefanski said safety Grant Delpit, who is battling a groin injury, has been ruled out. The Browns designated him to return from injured reserve on Thursday.

Also out against Houston are wide receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion) and kicker Dustin Hopkins (hamstring).

–Field Level Media

Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney recovers a second-quarter strip sack of Jets quarterback Joe Flacco on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022 in Cleveland. Akr 9 18 Browns 5

Browns’ Jadeveon Clowney, Denzel Ward out vs. Patriots

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Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and cornerback Denzel Ward have been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the visiting New England Patriots.

Clowney has been dealing with ankle, knee and elbow issues. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday that the three-time Pro Bowler didn’t feel ready to compete in this weekend’s game.

Ward, a two-time Pro Bowler, didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday after sustaining a concussion while making a tackle in the fourth quarter of last weekend’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was replaced in the lineup by A.J. Green.

The Browns also ruled out backup offensive tackle Joe Haeg with a concussion, Stefanski said.

Ward, 25, has 21 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery for a touchdown in five games this season.

He has 207 tackles, 11 interceptions and four fumble recoveries in 57 career games (56 starts) since being selected by the Browns with the fourth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Clowney, 29, has 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble in three games this season.

Clowney has 302 tackles, 42.5 sacks and 13 forced fumbles in 100 career games (91 starts) with the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and Browns. Clowney was selected by the Texans with the top overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Nov 28, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) reacts after an interception in the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Browns’ Denzel Ward off PUP list, cleared to practice

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The Cleveland Browns activated Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward from the physically unable to perform list on Monday, clearing him to practice for the first time this summer.

The Browns also waived wide receiver Derrick Dillon, whom they signed on Aug. 1.

Ward had been sidelined with a foot injury. When camp opened, placing Ward on the PUP list was viewed as more of a precaution.

The 25-year-old Ward is entering his fifth season with the Browns, who drafted him No. 4 overall in 2018. In 15 games in 2021, he made 43 tackles and had three interceptions for 103 yards, including a touchdown return.

In his career, Ward has appeared in 52 games (51 starts) with 186 tackles (eight for loss), 10 interceptions, two touchdowns, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Ward is entering the first year of a five-year, $100.5 million contract extension that included $71.25 million in guaranteed money. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season in 2018 and again in 2021.

–Field Level Media

Nov 21, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) intercepts the ball from Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds (8) during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Browns sign CB Denzel Ward to $100.5M extension

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The Cleveland Browns are making Denzel Ward the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.

Ward agreed Monday to a five-year, $100.5 million extension with $71.25 million guaranteed, per multiple reports.

Agent Tory Dandy of CAA Sports confirmed the deal with ESPN.

Ward, who turns 25 on April 28, was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and earned his second Pro Bowl selection in 2021.

He registered three interceptions in 15 starts last season, including a 99-yard pick-six at Cincinnati in Week 9.

Ward has 10 interceptions, 50 passes defensed, three fumble recoveries and 186 tackles in 52 games (51 starts).

The average annual value (AAV) of the extension is $20.1 million, edging Jalen Ramsey of the Rams ($20 million), Marshon Lattimore of the Saints ($19.52 million) and Marlon Humphrey of the Ravens ($19.5 million) for the highest among NFL cornerbacks, according to Spotrac.

Ward was due to earn a base salary of $13.3 million in 2022 on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract.

–Field Level Media

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) rushes back to the locker room after beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal] Browns Extras 10

Reports: Browns pick up ’22 options for Baker Mayfield, Denzel Ward

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The Cleveland Browns will pick up the fifth-year options on quarterback Baker Mayfield and cornerback Denzel Ward, locking up both through the 2022 season, multiple outlets reported Friday.

Mayfield was the No. 1 overall draft pick and Ward the fourth in 2018. The Browns’ move had been expected.

Under figures established by the NFL, Mayfield will earn $18.858 million and Ward $13.294 million.

Mayfield, 26, has a 23-22 record as a starter in the regular season, including an 11-5 record last season. In 2020, he completed 62.8 percent of his pass attempts for 3,563 yards to go with 26 touchdowns and a career-low eight interceptions.

He led the Browns to an upset 48-37 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC wildcard playoffs. Cleveland lost to Kansas City 22-17 in the divisional round.

Ward, a local product, will turn 24 next week. In 37 career games (36 starts), he has made 143 tackles and seven interceptions, scored one touchdown, forced two fumbles and recovered three. He was a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie.

–Field Level Media

Sep 17, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) breaks up a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Browns activate CBs Denzel Ward, Kevin Johnson

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Cleveland Browns cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Kevin Johnson have been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced Wednesday.

Ward and Johnson sat out Cleveland’s 24-22 win over Pittsburgh in the season finale on Jan. 3 as well as the 48-37 victory over the Steelers in the AFC wild-card round last Sunday.

Their expected returns in the AFC divisional-round game will be a welcome one, considering the upstart Browns are visiting Patrick Mahomes and the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs.

Ward, 23, recorded an NFL-best 16 passes defensed to go along with 46 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble in 12 games this season. He has 143 tackles, seven interceptions and two forced fumbles in 37 career games (36 starts) since being selected by Cleveland with the fourth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Ward was selected to the Pro Bowl during his rookie season.

Johnson, 28, has collected 35 tackles, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 13 games (six starts) this season for the Browns. He has 199 tackles, two fumble recoveries and one interception in 64 career games (25 starts) with the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills and Browns.

–Field Level Media