3 reasons Cleveland Browns should not trade Denzel Ward

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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. /

Reason No. 3 Cleveland Browns should not trade Denzel Ward

The quarterback and wide receiver threats the Browns will face

It’s no secret that the NFL is a pass-heavy league and with that comes some elite quarterback and wide receiver combinations. Having a guy like Denzel Ward will help combat some of those combinations, which will put the Browns in a better position to win football games.

In the AFC North alone, Ward and the Browns will face the Cincinnati Bengals twice a year. In that matchup is Joe Burrow and the three-headed receiving trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. Last year, Ward intercepted Burrow on a pass intended for Chase and returned it 99-yards for a touchdown. The Browns will need Ward lined up on any of these three receivers, especially Chase.

Also in the AFC North is Lamar Jackson, who can sling the rock despite people still not believing that after four seasons in the NFL. The Steelers have Chase Claypool at receiver, who is still a threat no matter who is under center this season.

In 2022, the Browns face the likes of Tom Brady, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin of the Buccaneers, Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams of the Chargers, Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs of the Bills, and Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle of the Dolphins. Those can be problematic for the Browns should they decide to trade Ward before the season.

The AFC is loaded with quarterback and wide receiver combinations that will make it even harder to qualify for the postseason, let alone advance to the Super Bowl.

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