Browns Considering Parting Ways With 5-Time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward

The Cleveland Browns may release star cornerback Denzel Ward as part of a franchise reset under new head coach Todd Monken.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns are undergoing a major roster overhaul under new head coach Todd Monken, and five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward could be a casualty. Ward, 28, has two years and $100.5 million remaining on his contract, but the Browns could save $20 million by designating him as a post-June 1 cut. While Ward remains a solid cornerback, his high salary cap hit and the team's need to rebuild the offense may lead the Browns to part ways with the longtime defensive standout.

Why it matters

Denzel Ward has been a key part of the Browns' defense for the past several seasons, making the Pro Bowl four times in the last five years. His potential departure would be a significant loss for the team, but the Browns' new coaching staff may view it as a necessary move to free up salary cap space and resources as they look to rebuild the offense around new pieces.

The details

Ward, who will turn 29 before next season, has a $32.9 million cap hit in 2026, the highest on the team outside of quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Browns could save $20 million by releasing Ward as a post-June 1 cut. While Ward's advanced metrics declined somewhat in 2025, he remains a solid cornerback who led the league in passes defended in 2024. However, his injury history, including a history of concussions, and the team's need to rebuild the offense under Monken may lead the Browns to part ways with the longtime defensive standout.

  • Ward will turn 29 years old before the 2026 season.
  • Ward has two years remaining on his $100.5 million contract with the Browns.

The players

Denzel Ward

A five-time Pro Bowl cornerback who has been a key part of the Browns' defense for the past several seasons.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who is tasked with rebuilding the team's roster and offense.

Deshaun Watson

The Browns' starting quarterback, who has a high salary cap hit that the team may need to address as part of their roster overhaul.

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What they’re saying

“Ward may not be as elite as he once was but is still a solid corner with years left to give. The problem is the money. Ward carries a $32.9 million cap hit in 2026, highest on the team outside of Deshaun Watson, and the Browns could save $20 million by designating him as a post-June 1 cut.”

— Matt Okada, NFL.com writer (NFL.com)

“Given what he's meant to the team for the better part of a decade, this would be a more surprising cut, but it also might make sense as Cleveland looks to the future under new head coach Todd Monken.”

— Matt Okada, NFL.com writer (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Browns will need to make a decision on Ward's future with the team before the start of the 2026 season. If they do release him, it would free up significant salary cap space that the new coaching staff could use to rebuild the roster and offense.

The takeaway

Denzel Ward's potential departure from the Browns highlights the difficult decisions facing the new coaching staff as they look to reset the franchise. While Ward has been a standout player for the team, his high salary cap hit may make him a casualty of the team's broader rebuilding efforts under Todd Monken.