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Cleveland Browns: 5 resolutions for New Year’s Day 2022

By Randy Gurzi

Nov 14, 2021; Members of the Cleveland Browns watch as injured teammate cornerback Troy Hill (23) lays on the field during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2021; Members of the Cleveland Browns watch as injured teammate cornerback Troy Hill (23) lays on the field during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
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) /

Cleveland Browns resolution No. 4: Extend Denzel Ward

The fourth overall pick in 2018 ended up being a great selection for the Browns. With several directions possible, former general manager John Dorsey elected to take Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward, giving them a blazing fast defensive back who had the confidence to take on any opposing receiver.

It didn’t take long for him to endear himself to Cleveland fans either. Ward drew a tough assignment in Week 1 of his rookie season as he had to take on Antonio Brown — and this wasn’t the AB who froze his feet or punted balls during practices. It wasn’t even the AB who faked vaccine cards. No, it was the Antonio Brown who was still playing very well for the Steelers.

Ward not only held his own, but he had two picks that helped Cleveland pull off a tie game. They probably should have won but that’s a different story — Ward, however, did his part.

Since then, he’s continued to prove his worth with the only real question ever cropping up having to do more with his durability than play. Ward has yet to play a full season but he’s been healthy enough in 2021 to earn a new contract — and his play suggests it should be a huge extension.

Ward has 40 tackles, three interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and a half-sack on the season. He also recorded a huge 99-yard pick-six that set the tone in their win over Cincinnati earlier in the season.

Cleveland has extended several key players such as Nick Chubb, Wyatt Teller, and Joel Bitonio. Now, it’s time to lock up the Warden.

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