In a potential offseason bombshell, the Cleveland Browns could be preparing to shake up their roster by trading star cornerback Denzel Ward in exchange for a prime draft pick. Ward, a three-time Pro Bowler and a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense, may soon find himself donning purple and gold if the proposed trade with the Minnesota Vikings materializes.
Browns Eye Draft Capital in Exchange for Ward
Ward, who’s currently in the middle of a $100 million contract, has been a standout in Cleveland’s secondary despite battling one of the most concerning concussion histories in the NFL. However, with a hefty salary cap hit of over $24.5 million next season, the Browns are reportedly considering moving him to free up space and acquire valuable draft assets.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport outlined a trade scenario where the Browns would send Ward and a sixth-round pick to the Vikings in return for Minnesota’s No. 24 selection in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
“Calling pass defense the Vikings’ biggest weakness this season doesn’t do it justice,” Davenport wrote. “They were 28th in the NFL during the regular season and got shredded by the Rams in a playoff loss. Ward would be a massive upgrade at their most vulnerable position.”
Vikings: The Perfect Trade Partner?
The Vikings seem like an ideal fit for Ward’s talents. Their top three cornerbacks are set to hit free agency in March, and they desperately need reinforcements in the secondary. Additionally, with $64 million in cap space available, absorbing Ward’s contract wouldn’t be an issue.
Minnesota is in win-now mode after a 14-win season that saw them fall just short of the NFC’s top seed. Retaining defensive coordinator Brian Flores for a third season has only heightened expectations, making a trade for a proven defensive star like Ward a logical step.
Cleveland’s Defensive Strategy Going Forward
For the Browns, this trade could mark the beginning of a strategic rebuild. ESPN’s Benjamin Solak predicted that Cleveland would move on from one of their high-priced cornerbacks, with Ward and Greg Newsome II both mentioned as trade candidates. Newsome, still on his rookie deal with a fifth-year option worth under $14 million, is a more budget-friendly option for the Browns.
“Both cornerbacks Denzel Ward (who had an excellent season) and Greg Newsome II (who had an uncharacteristically shaky season) should be made available, and one will be dealt,” Solak noted. “For my money, I expect a young, rising team to put a first-round pick on the table for Ward (Packers? Vikings?) and give the Browns the draft capital they need to aggressively rebuild.”
With promising young cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. entering the final year of his rookie contract, Cleveland’s secondary would still be in good hands. The added draft capital would provide the Browns with flexibility, whether they aim to reload quickly for a 2025 playoff push or set their sights on a long-term rebuild in the post-Deshaun Watson era.
A Franchise-Altering Move on the Horizon?
If the Browns pull the trigger on this trade, it could be a franchise-altering decision. Shedding Ward’s contract while gaining a valuable first-round pick would give Cleveland the resources needed to address multiple areas of need. Meanwhile, the Vikings would solidify their secondary with one of the league’s top corners, positioning themselves as serious Super Bowl contenders.
Whether this trade becomes a reality or not, it’s clear that both franchises are poised for significant moves this offseason—and the NFL landscape could shift dramatically as a result.
