Schwartz, who has two years left on his current contract, led a Browns defense that ranked in the top five in the league in several major defensive categories. Ward was selected to his fifth Pro Bowl last season, joining other Browns players, including Myles Garrett and Grant Delpit, who have publicly supported Schwartz and called for his return.
Ward said he likes the team’s defensive mix of young standouts and established stars, with AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year (Garrett) and Defensive Rookie of the Year (Carson Schwesinger) awards. Ward believes the Browns can compete if they get better quarterback play.
“The way the NFL is, if you have a great quarterback, you’re going to go far in this league and play for the Super Bowl, and you can make up for a lot of things,” Ward said. “But I think we have good core talent on our team, and we’re going to add more guys in the draft. I think we’re there. We’re close.”
That’s one of the reasons Ward hopes Schwartz and the team can find a way to make a reunion happen.
“I have a lot of respect for coach Schwartz,” Ward said, “and he’s a great coach and I hope he stays on the team.”