Cleveland Browns must wait to extend Denzel Ward, for now

With some extensions coming for multiple different players, Denzel Ward is one the Cleveland Browns should hold off on for now.

While it seems like the Cleveland Browns overall have struggled with landing solid draft picks over the years, it seems as though the first-rounders as of recent years have been pretty solid. For example, Myles Garrett, Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and of course, Denzel Ward.

Ward is a great cornerback. Some might say lockdown. When the Browns drafted Ward 4th overall just a few picks after drafting their franchise quarterback in Mayfield, they were hoping they would get both offensive and defensive cornerstones in the same draft. While one has proven to be that guy on offense and is ready to be locked up long term, the other is not there quite yet.

To be elite and get paid like you are elite, you must do two things; produce at the highest level on the field, and actually be on the field consistently. For Ward, he is only doing one of those things right now.

Ward missed three games his rookie season and has missed a quarter of the season his last two years. The Browns defense has already had its fair share of struggles the past few seasons, and Ward continuing to be hurt is something that has definitely frustrated some people and has made the struggles on defense a little more painful.

Trust me, I understand how good Ward can be when he is on the field. The problem is, however, the “when” part is a nagging issue. The high grades all across the board, two interceptions last season, lots of passes defended and the opposing QBs passer rating are all good numbers when it comes to Ward, he just has to stay on the field.

For example, in 2019, Ward allowed a completion rate of 44.9 percent, which was the lowest allowed in the NFL. In his rookie season in 2018, he was the second-highest graded corner in man coverage, one behind Stephon Gilmore. Again, production is there and it’s not like it has ever not been there. We just need to see him on the field more consistently.

Before re-signing Ward to a big contract if they go that route, here are a few players I would pay this off-season before Ward: Mayfield, Rashard Higgins, and arguably Nick Chubb.

The Browns have Ward under his rookie contract with a fifth-year option available until 2023. For this reason and this reason alone, the Browns must hold off on signing Ward to an extension until they see him fully healthy for a full season.

I would have no problem having Ward suit up in browns and orange for many years to come, he just needs to prove he can stay healthy through a full 16-game season.