NFL Cover Zero: “Free Agency Continues and Browns CB Denzel Ward”

Podcast: KSR (iHeartPodcasts & Sports Talk 790)

Release: March 26, 2026

Hosts: Drew Franklin, Billy Rutledge, Matt Jones

Episode Theme & Overview

This episode of NFL Cover Zero blends off-season NFL news, discussion of major free agency moves, and a special Super Bowl week interview with Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward. The hosts reflect on their San Francisco Super Bowl trip, deliver lively banter on free agency, quarterback comebacks, and rule changes—before deep-diving into Ward's perspective on the Browns, the mystique of teammate Myles Garrett, and DB culture. The interview also features a humorous review of one host’s bold fashion and a nostalgic look at Madden gaming.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

NFL Free Agency & Off-Season Updates

[04:07–09:57]

• Joe Flacco Returns: At age 41, Flacco is coming back for at least another year with the Bengals. Hosts reflect on his surprising career resurgence and the “magic” of last season.

  • “He’s out there with a gray beard and winning games for the Bengals…He wants to run it back one more time.” — Drew Franklin (05:02)
  • Insight: Flacco's comeback is a positive look for the Bengals franchise and gives “all the older guys hope.” Discussion includes memories of his career and speculation about the Bengals’ QB room dynamic.

• Matt Leinert Keeps Jersey Retired: Matt Leinert refuses to unretire his #11 USC jersey for a recruit, sparking a spirited debate.

  • “He basically was like, hell no, you can’t. We’re leaving that up there forever. I’m not just going to give it away…” — Drew Franklin (06:37)
  • Insight: The debate ties into athlete legacy and the growing prevalence of jersey retirements, and includes playful hypotheticals about the hosts’ own numbers.

• Mike Tomlin Eyes Media Work: Mike Tomlin is exploring the broadcast world during a gap year, potentially joining the set before he coaches again.

  • “It is looking like Mike Tomlin might be trying to do our job.” — Drew Franklin (10:21)
  • Insight: Hosts joke about Tomlin’s stoic sideline persona vs. being a media personality and reminisce about his earlier career connections.

• Levonte David Retires: Discussion on the emotional press conference of Buccaneers great Levonte David and his impact on Tampa Bay.

  • “That story about riding on the handle bar…just the sacrifices his family made…just watching him be emotional, touched a lot of people.” — Drew Franklin (13:10)

• Rule Talk: Tush Push & UFL: The controversial ‘tush push’ quarterback sneak play will remain in the NFL; hosts note the increased creativity needed to defend it.

  • “The Tush push is here to stay…They don’t want to hear about it…Y’all shut up if you don’t like it…” — Drew Franklin (13:24)
  • Also touches on UFL rules as a preview of potential NFL innovations (“no punting past the 50”).

Interview with Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns Star CB

[15:31–29:45]

Denzel Ward’s Style & Presence

• Ward shows up “immaculate,” with hosts complimenting his diamonds and fit.
  • “Even in the hair. You’ve got the diamond. You got some detail.” — Matt Jones (15:44)
  • “It takes a little time…my girlfriend’s my stylist.” — Denzel Ward (15:54)

Browns’ New Era & Defensive Stability

• Discusses the hiring of Todd Monken as head coach and the team’s transition.
  • “We just got [an] offensive-minded coach in Todd Monken…he was able to elevate Lamar Jackson’s game and Derrick Henry’s…” — Denzel Ward (16:24)
• Confidence the defense will remain strong despite losing defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
  • “We got a lot of great players…we’re still gonna be able to play at a high level.” — Denzel Ward (16:49)

Myles Garrett, Metahuman

• Humorous speculation about how many podcast hosts it would take to take down Myles Garrett.
  • “You’re gonna need a few more people. Myles Garrett is a metahuman. He’s like a different type of human being.” — Denzel Ward (17:18)
• Explains what makes Garrett so dominant: size, speed, and “quick twitch like a DB at the D-line position.” (17:44)

Football, Madden, & Gaming Nostalgia

• Ward’s first gaming system: “I had a Nintendo…and then I end up [with] the original Nintendo.” — Denzel Ward (18:19)
• Both interviewers and Ward reminisce about Madden and NFL video games.
  • “[Unveils a vintage Madden tee]…If we’re going to talk Madden, I just wanted to be dressed for the occasion.” — Drew Franklin (19:02)

2018 Draft Class Reflection

• Surprised Sam Darnold was first from his QB-heavy class to make a Super Bowl.
  • “That’s crazy. I didn’t expect it honestly…But yeah, he was the one to make it out.” — Denzel Ward (23:10)

On Facing Lamar Jackson & Division QBs

• Facing Lamar is especially challenging because plays extend far beyond the norm.
  • “His ability to be able to just continue the play…we’re just chasing guys around. It’s like backyard football.” — Denzel Ward (23:40)

Shutdown Corner Confidence

• Follows in Deion Sanders’ footsteps with confidence but prefers shutting down his side.
  • “I’m going to be on this side of the field…this side’s shut down, worry about the other side.” — Denzel Ward (24:22)

Trash Talkers in the NFL

• Top trash talkers: Jalen Ramsey (historically), Devin Witherspoon, and teammate Greg Newsome.
  • “Greg Newson…he’s a big [talker].” — Denzel Ward (24:50)

Playing for Cleveland & Fan Base

• Hometown pride, describes Cleveland fans as long-suffering but loyal.
  • “Regardless if we’re not winning…they’re always there in the stand supporting us.” — Denzel Ward (25:33)
  • “The city is going to explode [when we win].” — Denzel Ward (25:54)

On Madden Player Ratings

• Feels “disrespected” with a 92 rating, wants it higher, and jokes about lobbying EA.
• Believes he’s the best Madden player on the Browns.
  • “I feel I’m an extreme-level Madden player.” — Denzel Ward (27:00)

Advice for Browns in the Draft

• Wants Cleveland to go “offense heavy”—OL, receivers, and more (28:19)

Fashion and the Quarter Zip Debate

• Ward affirms Billy Rutledge’s signature reversible quarter zip: “It’s not the clothes, it’s you that make the clothes…If you’re comfortable in that…that gives off the vibe. I like it. That’s your style.” — Denzel Ward (29:03)

Notable Quotes & Highlights

• “He’s a metahuman. He’s like a different type of human being.”
  — Denzel Ward on Myles Garrett (17:18)
• “If you’re just going to unretire the greats’ numbers because every five star wants to wear it, it loses its significance.”
  — Billy Rutledge on jersey retirements (07:21)
• “I don’t even think I have an X-factor in Madden!”
  — Denzel Ward (26:31)
• “I would love it. NFL Blitz rules soon. Go for it on 4th and 20…”
  — Drew Franklin, joking about NFL rule changes (14:44)
• “It’s not the clothes. It’s you that make the clothes. If you’re comfortable…that gives off the aura.”
  — Denzel Ward (29:03)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Joe Flacco & Free Agency: 05:02–06:15
• Matt Leinert Jersey Debate: 06:27–09:44
• Mike Tomlin’s Media Pivot: 10:05–10:58
• Levonte David’s Retirement Reflection: 11:43–13:23
• Tush Push Rule & UFL: 13:24–14:44
• Denzel Ward Interview Opens: 15:31
• Myles Garrett as 'Metahuman': 17:18
• Ward’s Gaming & Madden Talk: 18:19–19:12, 26:19–27:12
• Facing Lamar Jackson: 23:40
• Shutdown Corner Philosophy: 24:22
• NFL Trash Talkers: 24:44–25:07
• Cleveland Fan Culture: 25:33–26:09
• Ward on Browns’ Needs: 28:14–28:31
• Quarter Zip Fashion Chat: 29:03

Tone & Style Notes

The episode is playful, insider-y, and candid—mixing deep football analysis with self-deprecating humor, nostalgia, and personality-driven moments. Ward is confident but grounded, emphasizing team, community, and authenticity.

Summary

This lively installment of NFL Cover Zero delivers a blend of off-season NFL news, locker-room insights, and a standout interview with one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, Denzel Ward. The hosts jump from headlines—Joe Flacco’s return, the Tush Push controversy, Levonte David’s emotional retirement—to direct, personal questions about the Browns’ culture, Madden ratings, and where Cleveland needs to go next. Ward, ever the shutdown corner, shines with wit and humility, especially when weighing in on team spirit, Cleveland’s passionate fans, and what it really takes to face a generational talent like Myles Garrett. The show closes with fashion advice you didn’t know you needed from one of football’s best-dressed All-Pros.