A summer that was already rolling along splendidly for Denzel Ward just got better for the Browns’ ninth-year cornerback.

Ward on Sept. 8 became a minority owner in the Cleveland Guardians. Six weeks earlier, he signed a two-year $62,2 million contract extension that carries with it the distinction of making Ward the highest-paid defensive back on an annual average for the second time in his career.

“They (the Guardians) worked with me throughout the entire process, and I’m just grateful that they brought me on,” Ward said in the Browns locker room before heading outside to practice for the Sept. 13 opener with the Jaguars in Jacksonville. “They gave me a great opportunity to continue to be a part of the Cleveland community. And that’s what’s most important. And I love the Guardians. I always watch them, and it’s just a great opportunity.”

You can know by his smile how happy #Browns cornerback Denzel Ward is after becoming a minority owner in the Cleveland #Guardians. “I love the Guardians,” he said Wednesday. “I’m a Cleveland kid. I love Cleveland to death.” pic.twitter.com/Y6zNs1ZZvX

— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) September 9, 2026

Exactly how much Ward is investing in the Guardians was not revealed. Back in May, Kansas City Chiefs star and Cleveland Heights native Travis Kelce purchased a minority ownership in the Guardians. Ward was born in Macedonia, and attended Nordonia High School before continuing his career at Ohio State.

“Denzel Ward is a hometown hero on the field and off it,” Paul Dolan, Guardians Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and David Blitzer, Guardians Vice Chairman, said in a statement.  “His excellence, character and commitment to this community — including his work with the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation — make him a perfect fit for our organization. We are proud to welcome him as a partner in the Guardians’ future.”

The Guardians plan to celebrate Ward on Sept. 15 at Progressive Field before facing the White Sox in what could be a critical game in the American League playoff race. Ward joked that he might be able to play first base or pitch since, Sept. 15 being a Tuesday, the Browns have the day off.

And now to more pressing matters for Ward and the Browns — the matter of stifling Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the high-octane Jacksonville offense.

The Jaguars scored 474 points in 2025 — almost 200 more than the lethargic Browns offense (279) put on the board. Only the Patriots (490) and Bills (481) scored more in the AFC.

Jacksonville won the AFC South title last year with a 13-4 record. Lawrence threw 29 touchdown passes. Parker Washington and Brian Thomas combined for 1,554 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches.

“They put their players in positions to make plays, and that’s the biggest thing,” Ward said.  “We just got to get tight and find a way to eliminate the explosive plays and do our job.

“(Lawrence) is a really good quarterback. He runs the show. He’s able to make every throw on the field. Good at second-chance plays, so extending the play and being able to get the ball to his guys. We have to find a way to neutralize him.”

Ward starts at left cornerback. Tyson Campbell starts on the right side.

The Jaguars traded Campbell to the Browns for cornerback Greg Newsome on Oct. 8 last year. The Browns clearly won the trade. Campbell is starting for them. Newsome left Jacksonville in free agency for a one-year, $8 million contract with the Giants. Campbell is downplaying the revenge angle ahead of the opener.

“I haven’t thought about it much, but when that time comes, I’ll probably think about it,” Campbell said. “It’s going to be fun. It’s a great way to start off the season, Just want to put our culture and our physicality on tape and show what we’re about.”

Could Ward and Campbell emerge as one of the best cornerback tandems in the league? No cornerback is going to answer “not a chance” when asked that question.

“Talk is cheap,” Campbell said. “God willing, if we stay healthy we can be very good, help this team win a lot of games. You just got to put it on tape, but I definitely feel like we can.”

Browns at Jaguars

When: 1 p.m., Sept. 13

Where: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.

TV: WOIO