The Cleveland Browns have decided against trading star cornerback Denzel Ward as the team prepares for training camp, according to a report from a local outlet.

General manager Andrew Berry and the front office plan to keep the veteran defensive back on the roster for the upcoming season. This stance comes in the wake of the franchise’s surprising decision earlier this summer to deal away another defensive cornerstone.

Ward’s name surfaced in trade discussions shortly after the Browns moved Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams on June 1. Speculation grew about whether Cleveland might continue reshaping its roster by parting with additional high-profile players.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported that the organization intends to retain Ward along with its other established veterans. She noted the team has learned from past situations where plans shifted unexpectedly, yet the current approach centers on keeping Ward in place.

“The Browns have no plans to trade Ward or any of their other big-name veterans in the wake of the Myles Garrett trade on June 1,” Cabot said. “The Browns learned they can never say never — they also had no intention of trading Greg Newsome II last season — but the plan is for Ward to stay put and challenge for his sixth Pro Bowl.”

The cornerback aims to compete for another Pro Bowl nod this year, marking a potential sixth selection in his career. Cabot indicated that while the Browns cannot completely rule out future changes, their preference is for Ward to remain a key part of the defense.

Ward limited his participation during the offseason program. He missed voluntary organized team activities and appeared only sparingly at mandatory minicamp. Cabot clarified that those absences stemmed from factors unrelated to any contract concerns or questions about his roster security.

Cleveland may pursue smaller roster adjustments once training camp begins and the preseason schedule unfolds. However, officials do not anticipate deals involving foundational starters as they work to construct a competitive roster for a renewed Super Bowl push.

Ward is under contract for two more seasons after signing a five-year extension worth more than $100 million in 2022. No guaranteed money remains on the deal, leaving some flexibility for both sides if circumstances change.

The 29-year-old remains among the league’s top cornerbacks. He will turn 30 later this season while playing for a franchise that has shown interest in injecting younger talent into key positions.

A strong start to the year would likely solidify the Browns’ commitment to keeping Ward as a central figure on defense. If the team struggles and falls out of playoff contention before the trade deadline, though, interest from other clubs seeking proven secondary help could prompt a second look at potential offers.

The Garrett transaction demonstrated how rapidly Cleveland’s strategy can evolve. Team leaders had insisted they would not move the former Defensive Player of the Year until the Rams assembled a package that included promising young talent and multiple draft selections.

Ward has spent his entire professional career with the Browns after the team selected him fourth overall in the 2018 draft out of Ohio State. Over eight seasons he has collected five Pro Bowl honors, along with 18 interceptions, more than 100 passes defended and hundreds of tackles across more than 100 games.

The veteran has expressed a clear desire to continue playing in Cleveland even after watching a longtime teammate depart. Speaking at a celebrity softball event in June, Ward emphasized his preference for staying put and noted that opportunities remain for the group.

“I definitely still want to be here,” Ward said. “But things aren’t lost. It’s still Ohio against the world.”

He acknowledged that the Garrett deal served as a reminder no player is fully protected from moves. Ward said he prefers not to dwell on factors outside his control and reaffirmed his affection for representing the Browns.

Ward and the team’s other veterans are scheduled to report for training camp on July 28. The organization will begin assessing its full roster as practices ramp up in preparation for the regular season.