- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,198,017
- Reaction score
- 59
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reshaped parts of their secondary this offseason, but if they decide another veteran addition is necessary, one of the NFL's top cornerbacks could come at a surprisingly reasonable cost.
In a recent article examining the potential trade value of several star NFL players, CBS Sports' Garrett Podell identifiedCleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward as a player who could eventually become available. While Podell stopped short of predicting a trade, he estimated that a fourth-round pick could be enough compensation if Cleveland decides to move on.
Ward has been one of the league's most consistent cornerbacks since entering the NFL, earning five Pro Bowl selections while establishing himself as the centerpiece of Cleveland's secondary. Despite his individual success, the Browns have struggled to compete consistently, making just one playoff appearance since 2021.
Podell also pointed to Ward's contract as a factor that could make a deal more realistic. The veteran is entering the second-to-last season of his five-year, $100.5 million extension, and none of the remaining money on the deal is guaranteed. That gives Cleveland flexibility if it chooses to retool its roster.
From Tampa Bay's perspective, adding a player of Ward's caliber would immediately strengthen a cornerback group that enters 2026 with several question marks. The Buccaneers are counting on young players like Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish to take on larger roles, but a proven veteran would provide stability and experience to Todd Bowles' defense.
Whether Tampa Bay would actually pursue a trade is another matter. The Buccaneers have emphasized building through the draft under general manager Jason Licht, and surrendering future draft capital for a veteran approaching his 30s may not align with that philosophy.
Still, if Podell's projected asking price proves accurate, Ward could become one of the more intriguing trade candidates to monitor. Acquiring a five-time Pro Bowler for a fourth-round pick would be a conversation worth having for any team looking to upgrade its secondary before the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Analyst lists trade for top tier cornerback that Bucs could target
Continue reading...
In a recent article examining the potential trade value of several star NFL players, CBS Sports' Garrett Podell identifiedCleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward as a player who could eventually become available. While Podell stopped short of predicting a trade, he estimated that a fourth-round pick could be enough compensation if Cleveland decides to move on.
Ward has been one of the league's most consistent cornerbacks since entering the NFL, earning five Pro Bowl selections while establishing himself as the centerpiece of Cleveland's secondary. Despite his individual success, the Browns have struggled to compete consistently, making just one playoff appearance since 2021.
Podell also pointed to Ward's contract as a factor that could make a deal more realistic. The veteran is entering the second-to-last season of his five-year, $100.5 million extension, and none of the remaining money on the deal is guaranteed. That gives Cleveland flexibility if it chooses to retool its roster.
From Tampa Bay's perspective, adding a player of Ward's caliber would immediately strengthen a cornerback group that enters 2026 with several question marks. The Buccaneers are counting on young players like Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish to take on larger roles, but a proven veteran would provide stability and experience to Todd Bowles' defense.
Whether Tampa Bay would actually pursue a trade is another matter. The Buccaneers have emphasized building through the draft under general manager Jason Licht, and surrendering future draft capital for a veteran approaching his 30s may not align with that philosophy.
Still, if Podell's projected asking price proves accurate, Ward could become one of the more intriguing trade candidates to monitor. Acquiring a five-time Pro Bowler for a fourth-round pick would be a conversation worth having for any team looking to upgrade its secondary before the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Analyst lists trade for top tier cornerback that Bucs could target
Continue reading...
