There was a time when we thought the Browns might consider the franchise tag on safety T.J. Ward.
As it turns out, they didn’t consider him at all.
The Broncos safety told SiriusXM NFL Radio that the Browns never offered him anything, and that he never met with new coach Mike Pettine.
“I didn’t think I’d be gone but that’s the nature of this business and I’m happy to be with my new home in Denver and just looking forward to continuing a good career and getting better and winning a Super Bowl,’' Ward said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “I know that’s what it’s all about so I’m definitely excited about the future. . . .
“The guys that they brought in, the coaches, that whole new genre, they didn’t bring me in. I was surprised, but that the same time, I wasn’t. You know how it goes. Anything can happen at anytime. Guys come and go, get signed, released, it’s the nature of the business. I was trying to prepare myself and tell myself don’t be surprised, just roll with the punches…''
The Browns instead brought in 49ers free agent Donte Whitner, making it clear they had a different plan.
Of course, Ward went through three head coaches in four years, and never knew from week to week who his quarterback might be.
With a soft landing in Denver, you’d think he wouldn’t be complaining.
