Denzel Ward

[Ohio]

Hopefully no long term affects from covid for Denzel or Myles (or anyone for that matter).

 

[Triplethreat]

So Ward is an UFA in 2 years...

When do we start talking about paying this guy/letting him walk due to the fact he is just never healthy.

13 games, 12 games and 12 games in the past 3 years. Joe Haden was actually healthier than Ward throughout has been throughout their Browns tenures..

We need to see this guy put together a complete season.

 

[Benway]

At this point, Ward is a walker. Not a top priority, just an occasional luxury. (that's not getting paid)

 

[Kbiz]

When he’s healthy he’s one of the best corners in the game but we are in no hurry to work out a deal soon. Would love to see him stay healthy an entire season.

 

[MGMT]

I’ll gladly fork it out if he can play 14-16 games over the next couple years. I’m not going to make a massive fuss when he hasn’t missed more than 4 in a year yet.

coverage is too valuable and he’s overwhelmingly good at it.

 

[Ohio]

Yeah, missing 2 games in a season isn't a big deal. Missing 4+ is another story, though.

Unfortunate that Ward got covid and missed an additional 2 games this season.

Probably too early to extend him now given the games missed to this point.

Lets see how things play out next season and go from there.

 

[col63onel]

CB1 is the 3rd or 4th most important position, at worst. Ward is absolutely a guy you prioritize signing.

 

[Ohio]

Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward​

Denzel Ward demonstrated why he was a top-five pick in the 2018 NFL Draft immediately, making the Pro Bowl in his rookie season and finishing 11th in wins above replacement among cornerbacks. Ward is a true lockdown corner on the outside, playing roughly 40% of snaps in press-man coverage. Since 2018, he has allowed a 31% completion when in single coverage — the only cornerback below 40% over the span.


Ward’s absences this season resembled those of Dak Prescott in that his value was just as obvious when he was missing games as when he was playing. That’s how badly the Browns’ secondary missed him. Ward finished 10th in wins above replacement for the 2020 season despite missing four games. He has sat out four games in each of his first three seasons, and the Browns allowed .137 expected points added per play to outside wide receivers in those twelve outings. In the 36 games Ward has suited up for, that number drops to .052 expected points added per play.


Contract Projection: Five years, $101.25 million ($20.25 million APY), $75 million fully guaranteed.

 

[UDcleveland]

Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward​

Denzel Ward demonstrated why he was a top-five pick in the 2018 NFL Draft immediately, making the Pro Bowl in his rookie season and finishing 11th in wins above replacement among cornerbacks. Ward is a true lockdown corner on the outside, playing roughly 40% of snaps in press-man coverage. Since 2018, he has allowed a 31% completion when in single coverage — the only cornerback below 40% over the span.


Ward’s absences this season resembled those of Dak Prescott in that his value was just as obvious when he was missing games as when he was playing. That’s how badly the Browns’ secondary missed him. Ward finished 10th in wins above replacement for the 2020 season despite missing four games. He has sat out four games in each of his first three seasons, and the Browns allowed .137 expected points added per play to outside wide receivers in those twelve outings. In the 36 games Ward has suited up for, that number drops to .052 expected points added per play.


Contract Projection: Five years, $101.25 million ($20.25 million APY), $75 million fully guaranteed.

(until he’s healthy for close to a full year)

 

[col63onel]

That's a fair contract for him. I'd do it.

 

[Soda]

View attachment 5005

(until he’s healthy for close to a full year)

Honestly, you won't have him then. I don't want to be in that scenario, but I can understand if others do.

 

[adam81king]

Since he's played 75% of games so far (each season), can he get 75% of that $101.25M? That would seem fair. Or, give him incentives based on games played?

 

[Kris032]

Wow. That's a lot of money.

 

[CBBI]

Since he's played 75% of games so far (each season), can he get 75% of that $101.25M? That would seem fair. Or, give him incentives based on games played?

He and his agent will justifiably tell the Browns to pound sand if they try and do this.

Ward is going to get paid huge money, either by the Browns or by someone else.

 

[UDcleveland]

Honestly, you won't have him then. I don't want to be in that scenario, but I can understand if others do.

If he was an unrestricted free agent after this year, I might agree. But as it stands, I’d rather he play out next season, prove he can stay healthy, then be offered the big money.