The Cleveland Browns have plenty of interesting storylines that will be resolved by the start of the 2026 NFL season. One of which is the quarterback competition, and who will win between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson.
While that’s an exciting question to resolve this offseason, the Browns are facing a big question about the future of two key players with the franchise.
As ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi highlighted, the Browns have a legitimate question about both $36 million safety Grant Delpit and $100.5 million cornerback Denzel Ward, and their futures with the franchise amid a contract problem.
Browns facing big Grant Delpit, Denzel Ward contract questions
“Neither player participated in the Browns’ mandatory minicamp,” Oyefusi writes. “While Monken wouldn’t specify the nature of their absences, saying that he generally does not comment on injuries, their lack of participation was notable given their contract situations.”
Cleveland’s defensive back duo is facing some interesting questions on their current contracts. Of the two, the issue with Delpit is a lot clearer.
The Browns’ safety is in the final year of a three-year, $36 million contract. At 27 years old, and set to hit free agency after the 2026 NFL season, the Browns need to decide whether to extend him or potentially trade him to a contender.
A team like the Philadelphia Eagles would surely make a decent offer to the Browns for Delpit amid their safety need. But the Browns might want to keep Delpit, which could make for an interesting contract conversation this summer.
MORE: Browns’ Sheduer Sanders predicted to win QB battle during training camp
Ward is the more interesting situation, as the $100.5 million cornerback is a star worth keeping around long-term. But, he’s going to cost a ton. Fortunately, Ward has already affirmed his commitment to the organization.
Even more fortunately for the Browns, Oyefusi reported that, “… league sources have indicated the Browns are open to striking new deals with both defensive standouts.”
With the Browns open to a deal, and Ward already indicating he is as well, at least a new deal with the star cornerback seems very possible. Delpit is a bit more of a question mark, but there’s reason to have optimism there as well.
Regardless, the contract statuses of Ward and Delpit will be big question marks for the Browns as they work through training camp this summer before the 2026 season.