Dawgs By Nature
It was a question that was asked about the Cleveland Browns traded away the face of their franchise, Myles Garrett. Who is next? For obvious reasons, that question pointed towards two sets of athletes: The highest paid and the oldest.
One player fit both categories: CB Denzel Ward.
Ward came out recently about the fact that since Garrett is gone, he may be the next in line. At his inaugural celebrity softball game held at Classic Auto Group Park in nearby Eastlake, Ohio, which is the home ballpark of the High-A Lake County Captains, a farm team of the Cleveland Guardians.
The event took place on Saturday, June 6, and included a home run derby with the softball game at 3:00 pm. Other activities included an online auction, opportunities to become a game bat boy/girl, be able to participate in the home run derby, throw out the first pitch, plus a meet-and-greet with Ward.
At this event, Ward was obviously asked about the Garrett trade, because after all, it occurred less than a week ago:
Ward just turned 29 years old this spring and is entering his ninth NFL season. He has had his fair share of injuries and ailments during his time in Cleveland.
But through the issues and pain, he has been an elite talent, as evidenced by his five Pro Bowls, his selection to the NFL All-Rookie Team, and his high annual Pro Football Focus grades.
As far as being the next seasoned veteran to leave the Browns, Ward doesn’t plan on it:
“I want to be here. I’m just grateful wherever I’m at. Wherever opportunity I get to go play football, that’s what I do. I love playing for the Cleveland Browns. I definitely still want to be here.”
The game filled in for what used to be David Njoku’s annual softball game. This year’s contest featured former Browns Kareem Hunt, Mack Wilson, and Greg Newsome, Chicago Bears WR Jahdae Walker, Jerry Jeudy, baseball player Reggie Bussey, Chris Edmonds, KC Concepcion, Alex Wright, Adin Huntington, Taylen Green, and Mike Hall, Jr., to name a few. The winner of the home run derby was a spectator, Aaron Krieger.
Ward came to the Browns as the fourth overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, just three selections behind QB Baker Mayfield. The Ohio State athlete instantly transformed the defensive backfield with his 4.32 speed.
As Ward’s rookie deal was coming to a close, GM Andrew Berry signed Ward to a five–year, $100.5 million contract, which included $71.25 million guaranteed. $44.5 million was guaranteed upon signing, plus the contract included a $20 million signing bonus. At the time, the agreement made Ward the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
And now, Ward will jump from a base salary of $1.26 million with a cap hit of $14.79 million in 2025 to a base of $16.9 million and a cap hit of $30.89 million this year. He has one more year remaining, but no...
