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3 players Cleveland Browns should pay with Odell Beckham’s money

By Greg Newland

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 07: Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns intercepts a pass during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 7, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 07: Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns intercepts a pass during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 7, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) in the end zone in the first quarter of the NFL Week 9 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. Cleveland led 24-10 at halftime.Cleveland Browns At Cincinnati Bengals Week 9 /

Cleveland Browns Extension Target No. 3 – Denzel Ward, Cornerback

I have been vocal that I wasn’t sold on Denzel Ward, but he may have redeemed himself in just one game. Not only did he have two tackles and three pass deflections, but he also had a 99-yard pick-six on the first drive of the game that completely set the tone.

As a fan, things didn’t start great on Sunday. The Bengals got the ball and drove right down the field, converting on multiple third downs. The Browns had a third and seven and once again jumped offsides giving the Bengals third and three and a half. Ward read the out route perfectly, jumped it, and took it back to the house. That 14-point swing set the tone for the entire day.

Why sign him now?

Well, durability is still a huge concern, but 2021 has been slightly better. If Ward continues to play great, he could earn himself another $5 million per year vs. signing him right now and getting it out of the way.

There is certainly a risk in this, and that’s why I have it as option number three, but every time we think Ward may be a bust, the guy plays out of his mind and sucks you right back in. There are no promises of getting a hometown discount but signing him sooner than later could save Berry and the Browns some serious dough.

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