Ward’s comments appear to ease concerns that the five-time Pro Bowler has been disappointed with Cleveland’s career. Rather than bemoan the signs of a potential long-term rebuild while entering his age-29 season with just two playoff games under his belt, Ward is being signed to try to deliver a 2026 season that revolves around expectations.
He fits right in with a Browns defense that held Cleveland to countless games last season, a unit that added All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams in free agency, bolstered the secondary through the draft with second-round safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and now has 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse to build around as part of Garrett.
Still, Berry admitted earlier this week that trading Garrett, who the team handed a mega contract to last offseason, was never on his “bingo card.”
Ward has two years left on the extension he signed in 2022 but no guaranteed money left. Even if his — and Berry’s — wish is for him to stay with the Browns, Ward’s contract can be moved. Having just seen it with the Garrett trade, he is fully aware of how quickly things can change.
“I might get a trade, but I’m not looking into it too much,” he said. “That’s the nature of the game. Let’s say I get traded, wherever I am, that’s where I’m supposed to be. So if I’m here, I’m supposed to be here. If I go to another team, I’m supposed to be there. But I love playing for the Cleveland Browns. I want to be grateful for what I get here, wherever I want to be here. play football, that’s what I do.”
For now, he’s Brown, preparing for his first pro season without Garrett but confident in what Cleveland has cooked up.