The Cleveland Browns locked up one important part of their upcoming free agents when they signed running back Nick Chubb to an extension. While many assumed the team would focus on Baker Mayfield’s contract next (or even before Chubb’s), Denzel Ward is another big name coming up on free agency.
While Mayfield and Ward are the two most important players with free agency looming after two seasons, Wyatt Teller and Ronnie Harrison face free agency at the end of this season. It is possible that one, or both, get attention turned their way as a priority before the season starts.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, talks with Ward have begun but they could be difficult:
After extending Nick Chubb, the #Browns have begun discussing a potential deal with cornerback Denzel Ward, per sources. This could be difficult to do with two years left on Ward’s deal, but sides will see where it goes. Talks with QB Baker Mayfield have not heated up yet
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 8, 2021
Difficulty with Ward not only includes him having two years left on his contract but his injury history. In his three years in the NFL, the former Buckeye has never played more than 13 games in a season which happened his rookie year. The following two years he played in 12 games each season. With an added game starting this year and Cleveland’s plans to go deep into the playoffs, the Browns will have to have comfort in his ability to stay on the field.
When he is on the field, Ward is one of the best corners in the league and has proven it despite having multiple changes in defensive systems since his arrival.
If the Browns can get a deal wrapped up with their former fourth overall pick, the team would have a good idea of what their salary cap could look like in the future. A Ward deal could help open the door for either Teller or Harrison to get an extension done while Mayfield’s contract will stand on its own in both timing and size.