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.
While a Garrett trade is almost certain to come after June 1st, if at all this offseason, Cleveland has a little more flexibility to move Ward at any time, including before the 2026 NFL draft. If the Browns fully restructure Ward’s contract, that will be a sign that he will not be traded this season.
While Cleveland fans have been through a lot over the last few years, and since The Return in 1999, if Garrett is traded away, moving Ward would also make a ton of sense as well. If Garrett is still on the roster next season, Ward should be as well.
Do you think Ward should be traded if Garrett is also dealt? How would you feel about a complete teardown by trading away the team’s most expensive players?
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