Ward would weigh Browns future if Garrett gets traded

Star cornerback Denzel Ward revealed he'd question his future with the Cleveland Browns if the franchise were to trade Myles Garrett.

"I want to be in Cleveland," Ward told Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot. "I want to win. (But) I'm definitely keeping an eye on what Myles has going on and what's he doing. I'm just interested in seeing how everything plays out. Like I said, I want to play with Myles Garrett, and we've just got to wait and see."

Garrett requested a trade from the Browns on Monday following his eighth season with the franchise. Cleveland has struggled to find success throughout the All-Pro defender's tenure, winning just one playoff game since his selection in the 2017 draft.

"That would be hard to see, and I would have to see the idea of, 'Are we trying to win if we're trading Hall of Fame players like that?'" Ward said.

Ward formed a connection with the standout pass-rusher after being drafted in 2018. The Ohio native affectionately refers to Garrett and himself as the Browns' Kobe and Shaq.

Ward signed a five-year extension worth $100.5 million in 2022, per Over the Cap.

Ward understands Garrett's desire to compete for a Super Bowl and admits it's a difficult situation for all sides. The cornerback said he's spoken with Garrett this offseason.

The four-time Pro Bowl defensive back is encouraged by the Browns' desire to keep their future Hall of Fame defensive end. Ward is remaining optimistic that Garrett could change his mind about a trade.

"I don't think that we should trade Myles Garrett," he said. "As I've said, we've got to get this thing rolling in Cleveland, and get the quarterback position together and get a few other positions together and find a way to compete for championships and make it here where we get to a Super Bowl."