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.