Top NFL Landing Spots For T.J. Ward if Broncos Cut Him

NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 13: T.J. Ward /

T.J. Ward has been a tremendous member of what is probably the best secondary in the AFC and arguably the entire NFL in Denver.

A three-time Pro Bowler, he was instrumental to their success in 2015 when the team won the Super Bowl and has remained their enforcer. However, the arrival of a new coaching staff along with questions of health, age (he’s 30) and young depth have the Broncos thinking it might be time to move on. That’s a shame because Ward has remained productive. He has three forced fumbles, a sack and an interception last season.

They may yet still trade him but with the deadline approaching it’s looking less likely. Smart money says they’ll have to cut ties or keep him. If it’s the former, then here are some teams who should be considered prime landing spots.

Los Angeles Rams

Often a good way to predict where a player will go is by pinpointing coaches around the league he might’ve played for at one time. In this case it’s easy. Wade Phillips, who helped turn Ward into a Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, has since gone to Los Angeles where he’s taken over the Rams defense. Presently it looks like Mo Alexander is their best option at strong safety too. So a reunion between Phillips and Ward has to sound appetizing for the Rams brass.

Los Angeles Chargers

Another common theme when veteran players leave a team is to watch the division. Typically players don’t like to stray far from playing against opponents they know well. This is why the other Los Angeles team, the Chargers should be considered a threat to sign him as well. The Bolts are looking for a greater presence on the back end. Somebody who can compliment their strong front seven. Ward could give them the most credibility they’ve had there since Eric Weddle left.

Dallas Cowboys

A mass exodus in free agent gutted much of the Cowboys secondary. That’s why they were so aggressive in the draft to fill the holes. Byron Jones thankfully stayed behind to man the free safety position, but he feels like a man on an island right now. Jeff Heath doesn’t stand out like a proper wing man. Imagine how much more stable things could be if Dallas were able to put Ward next to their young star. He’d be an even better version of J.J. Wilcox.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Far and away the strength of the Buccaneers defense is their front seven. They’ve gotten by with role players in the secondary for the most part and their safety position can’t get anymore average. Chris Conte and Keith Tandy? That just screams Super Bowl. Ward would be an upgrade over either of them, which means Tampa has every logical reason on the planet to pursue him if and when the Broncos decide to cut ties.

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