Ward announced Wednesday in a statement that he has retired from professional football.

EDGE Analysis

The 35-year-old defensive back hasn't played in a game since 2017, but he resurfaced with the Cardinals' practice squad at one point in 2020. Ward made 99 NFL starts for three different teams, peaking in the 2013 and 2014 seasons, when he earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nods for the Browns and Broncos, respectively. His best statistical seasons mostly came in Cleveland, but Ward is arguably better known as part of the "No Fly Zone" for dominant Denver secondaries in 2014 and 2015.

The Cardinals signed Ward to the practice squad Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Ward will provide Arizona with emergency veteran depth at the safety position. The two-time Pro Bowler hasn't played since 2017.

Ward worked out for the Jaguars on Saturday as the 32-year-old intends to make his return to the NFL in 2019, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ward did not play in 2018 after appearing in 12 games with the Buccaneers throughout his 2017 campaign, when he amassed 43 tackles (31 solo) and three passes defensed. The two-time Pro Bowler could provide a willing suitor with a veteran presence in the secondary, but at 32, Ward's peak playing days are behind him.

The charges for Ward's October arrest for possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia have been dropped, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ward is currently a free agent after finishing his eighth pro season with 43 tackles (31 solo) and three pass breakups through 12 games for Tampa Bay. The 31-year-old struggled with knee and hip injuries along with a concussion, so any team willing to sign Ward must be on board with injury issues that likely won't disappear with age. Ward is just two seasons removed from averaging 6.2 tackles per game and forcing three fumbles in 2016.

Ward (knee) wants to continue his playing career in 2018, Benjamin Allbright of 104.7 FM Denver reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Buccaneers let Ward walk after the 31-year-old played the 2017 season under a one-year contract, racking up 43 tackles and three pass breakups across 12 games in a part-time role. It's true his play has slipped since his Pro Bowl days with the Broncos from 2013 to 2015, but Ward could still have something left in the tank and it's not advised to completely write him off in IDP formats quite yet. However, complicating his ability to sign with a team this offseason is the fact that Ward was arrested in January on a felony count of marijuana possession and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ward (knee) was arrested at 8:11 a.m. Wednesday in Tampa on a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ward posted bond and was released from jail shortly after his arrest, but he'll likely have to report to court at some point in the months to come and could face discipline from the NFL. A three-time Pro Bowler from 2013 through 2015, Ward has seen his effectiveness wane the past two seasons and was forced to settle for a part-time role with the Buccaneers in 2017. Ward, who sustained what is believed to be a minor knee injury in the Buccaneers' season finale Sunday, will become a free agent this offseason.

Ward won't return to Sunday's game against the Saints with a knee injury, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ward was originally tabbed questionable to return but ultimately was ruled out. Keith Tandy is likely to see increased snaps at safety with Ward sidelined.

Ward posted nine tackles (five solo) in Sunday's 22-19 loss to the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

The eight-year veteran drew the start at free safety in place of Justin Evans (IR-ankle) and put together what was easily his best tackle total of the season. Ward has expressed dissatisfaction with his playing time at different points during the campaign, but Evans' injury is at least affording the 31-year-old the opportunity to show what he can do with a full allotment of snaps. Ward will look to wrap up 2017 on a strong note against the Saints in Week 17.

Ward will draw the start at free safety in place of Justin Evans (IR-ankle) Sunday against the Panthers, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran cleared the concussion protocol earlier in the week and will now gear up for a starter's workload against Carolina. Ward has been slotted into an unfamiliar backup role in his first Buccaneers season, which has resulted in a career-low 31 tackles. He'll have an opportunity to improve considerably on those numbers against a Panthers team that should keep him busy with its emphasis on the run and the short-to-intermediate passing attack.

Ward (concussion) doesn't appear on Wednesday's injury report, Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ward was removed from Monday's game against the Falcons to be evaluated for a concussion but fortunately passed all testing. His absence from Wednesday's injury report suggests he's fully on track to play Sunday against the Panthers.