In the wake of Myles Garrett's trade to the Rams, Denzel Ward remains committed to the Cleveland Browns, expressing his desire to continue contributing to the team. While his long-term future with the Browns is uncertain, General Manager Andrew Berry assures that Ward's performance remains a priority. In Pittsburgh, Mike McCarthy aims to utilize Jalen Ramsey similarly to Charles Woodson, to maximize his impact defensively. Meanwhile, Ja'Marr Chase of the Bengals commented on the Ravens' acquisition of Trey Hendrickson, emphasizing heightened rivalry and pressure as the Bengals prepare for a pivotal season.

By the Numbers
  • Denzel Ward is a five-time Pro Bowler and the longest-tenured player on the Browns.
  • Jalen Ramsey recorded 88 tackles in 2025, tying his career high.
State of Play
  • Denzel Ward aims to help the Browns succeed despite Garrett's departure.
  • Mike McCarthy envisions Jalen Ramsey playing multiple defensive roles to maximize his effectiveness.
  • Ja'Marr Chase is raising expectations for the Bengals following offseason roster improvements.
What's Next

The Browns must navigate the upcoming season without Garrett while relying on Ward for leadership. The Steelers will look to integrate Ramsey effectively into their defense. The Bengals are expected to make a playoff push, needing to deliver strong performances against rival teams, particularly the Ravens.

Bottom Line

As teams realign and adjust to key player changes, maintaining strong core leadership like Ward’s is crucial for the Browns, while the Steelers and Bengals must rise to the challenge of expectations set by their offseason moves.