Ja’Marr Chase gives a firm statement about Browns CB Denzel Ward that should go as a reminder to the rest of the NFL

If the Cleveland Browns want to improve as a team in 2025 after going 3–14 last season — just a year after making the playoffs — it’s clear that the offense must take a step forward. Cleveland’s offense needs to improve to give the team its best shot at a bounce-back year. Though, the defense has to bounce back on the other side of the football. 

The Browns addressed star edge rusher Myles Garrett’s trade request with a massive contract extension, ensuring that they continue to have their two most important defensive pieces — Garrett and cornerback Denzel Ward — locked in.

Speaking of Ward, the Pro Bowl corner recently received high praise from one of the game’s best wide receivers — someone he faces twice a year, and someone who knows just how tough that matchup can be.

Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase has high praise for Browns CB Denzel Ward

Chase may very well be the best wideout in the NFL — and personally, I believe he is. The Cincinnati receiver is coming off a season where he recorded over 1,700 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s faced the Browns seven times, and has topped 100 receiving yards in just one of those games.

“It’s easy. I mean, Denzel,” Chase said when asked about the toughest cornerback he’s faced, via The Sitdown with Malik Wright. “It’s twice a year. It’s one-on-one the majority of the time. He’s got great feet. He knows leverage, he knows splits. He’s one of the best I like playing.”

Chase performed well against Cleveland last season, totaling 152 receiving yards and two touchdowns over the two games. Still, the Browns have held the All-Pro wideout under 30 yards twice in his career. 

Ward is now a four-time Pro Bowler. The only knock on his career has been the number of games he seems to miss each season, with concussions being a recurring issue. However, recording at least two interceptions in seven straight seasons is elite-level consistency. Cleveland has one of the best defensive backs in the NFL — and when the best wide receiver in the league tells you that, it means something.

Cleveland will host Cincinnati to open the season on Sept. 7, and all eyes will be on the battle between Ward and Chase.